

Who should be a Will Executor?
Executors are people chosen and named in a Will by the individual who the Will belongs to. The Executors of a Will are responsible for administering the estate of the deceased. Up to four Executors can be named in a Will, and it’s best practice to name at least two.
How to choose an Executor
When selecting who to name as Executor(s) in your Will, there is no hard and fast rule. Almost anyone can be appointed, but there are key points worth considering. For example:
- Capacity – do the people named have the mental capacity and time to complete the necessary tasks? The Executor will be faced with a lot of legal jargon and paperwork, that requires a lot of dedication
- Age – anyone can be named, but if a Grant of Probate is required, the applicant must be over 18 at the time
- Willingness – ideally, you should let the proposed executors know that they will carry such a role as they may not wish to.
Executors have a lot of responsibility, so it’s important to think carefully about who to appoint. They must deal with all property, money, assets, personal belongings, debts, and taxes tied to the estate. They are liable for any mistakes and have a limited time to distribute the estate.
Can an Executor be a beneficiary of a Will?
An Executor of a Will can also be a beneficiary. In fact it’s common for this to be the case. However, it’s not a requirement – your Executors do not have to benefit from your estate.
Can an Executor be a family member?
You can name one or more family members as Executors. As stated above, it’s best practice to inform them that they have been named. They should be prepared for the additional responsibility at the difficult time of losing a loved one.
Who can’t be an Executor?
Other than those who don’t have capacity, there are few restrictions on who can be your Executor. A former spouse/civil partner who is no longer so since the Will was written cannot be an executor.
Also, if your Executors are named as beneficiaries and they have officially witnessed your Will, they forfeit their right to benefit from the estate. Beneficiaries (and their spouse or civil partner) cannot also be witnesses of a Will. Therefore, if you want someone to be your Executor and a beneficiary, you shouldn’t have them as a witness.
What happens if you don’t appoint an Executor?
If you don’t appoint an Executor, your estate will be left without an assigned person to deal with it. This is especially risky if you don’t leave a Will at all; your estate will then be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, meaning people who you do not wish to benefit from your estate may receive inheritance upon your death.
If someone dies intestate (without a Will) an Administrator will be appointed. This individual is also determined by the rules of intestacy, and they have the same duties as an Executor.
What can’t an Executor do?
When acting as an Executor, there are a few things that breach duty. For example, going against the terms of the Will or acting against the best interests of the beneficiaries. Executors have a fiduciary duty to the deceased and the beneficiaries and must ensure the estate is distributed in accordance with the wishes set out in the Will.
If an Executor fails to act or breaches their duty, the court may need to get involved. If they deem the Executor unsuitable, they can remove them from acting on the estate. If there is only one Executor, they must be replaced with someone else. If an Executor dies before they complete the estate administration process, the chain of representation may determine who inherits the role.
Understanding the Role of Executors: Why It’s More Than Just a Name
Appointing an Executor in your Darlington Will is a decision that goes beyond simply naming someone you trust. The role of an Executor carries legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities that ensure your estate is managed and distributed according to your wishes. Executors are tasked with obtaining the Grant of Probate, settling debts, managing taxes, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive their rightful inheritances. This requires someone with organisational skills, patience, and a strong commitment to carrying out their duties.
For individuals in Darlington and surrounding areas like Normanby or Billingham, selecting the right Executor can also reflect local connections and understanding. For instance, if your estate includes property near Darlington’s South Park or investments in Middlesbrough, your Executor must be prepared to manage assets specific to these locations. By considering their skills and availability, you can ensure that your Executor can competently fulfil their obligations and represent your interests faithfully.
Local Connections and Professional Executors: Why Location Matters
When choosing an Executor, local knowledge can be an asset. Executors familiar with the region, such as Darlington or Teesside, are better positioned to handle estate matters involving property, businesses, or assets within these areas. For example, if your estate includes a home near Darlington Hippodrome or investments in Stainsby, an Executor with ties to these areas can manage these assets with greater ease and efficiency.
A professional Executor, such as Complete Estate Protection, combines local expertise with impartiality. By appointing a regulated professional, you gain access to a team that understands regional estate laws and can handle complex matters, such as tax implications or disputes among beneficiaries. This is particularly valuable for estates involving multiple assets or beneficiaries across different locations. Whether you choose a trusted friend, family member, or professional, ensuring your Executor is equipped to manage your estate within the local context provides peace of mind and ensures a smoother process for your loved ones.
What is a professional Executor?
Another option is to name a professional as one of your Executors. This can be a Solicitor, Will Writer, Financial Adviser, or a probate and estate administration specialist like Complete Estate Protection. A professional Executor can be more impartial than a family member or friend. When choosing a professional provider, you should carefully consider the services they offer, whether they’re regulated, and how they price their services.
If you’re based near Middlesbrough or Teesside or in the areas of Stainsby, Normanby, Stainton and Billingham or anywhere in the surrounding area, we can assist with anything you may require please contact 01642 493101 or email info@ceprotection.com. Please click here to learn more about Wills.