Helping clients choose the right executors for their will

A role that carries significant responsibility

clock • 4 min read

Lawyer Jan Atkinson explores how to help clients pick their executors for their will

The most common complaint from those tasked with administering a deceased person's estate is that the process is far more complicated than they first thought. That's why clients should give the matter careful consideration before deciding who they should ask to execute their will. By law, anyone aged over 18 and with mental capacity is eligible. Spouses, civil partners and children tend to be the most popular choices, with executors who are also beneficiaries being very common. However, it is a trusted and time-consuming role that carries significant responsibility and should not be o...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Female client focus 'vital' as great wealth transfer comes

Female client focus 'vital' as great wealth transfer comes

Intergenerational wealth planning importance

Professional Adviser
clock 06 February 2026 • 1 min read
Andrew Goodwin: Flipping the narrative on successful investing

Andrew Goodwin: Flipping the narrative on successful investing

'He's a pinball wizard, there has to be a twist'

Andrew Goodwin
clock 06 February 2026 • 4 min read
Paraplanners' confidence holding back progression

Paraplanners' confidence holding back progression

Aspiration and confidence gap over future career paths, SOTAN report finds

Isabel Baxter
clock 05 February 2026 • 3 min read