Choosing who will be the executor of your Will is an important decision. Although anyone deemed to be sound of mind and over 18 can be appointed as an executor, there are a number of factors you need to consider before making your decision.
Things to think about include:
- Will the person have to deal with any likely disputes and if so, will they be able to handle that stress?
- Does the person have the right skill-sets for dealing with potentially complex financial, family and legal affairs?
- Will your executor also be a beneficiary of your Will, resulting in perceived or real conflicts of interests with other family members or friends?
While family members such as a spouse, partner or children are often appointed as executors, it can sometimes be beneficial to choose a professional advisor such as a solicitor, accountant, trustee company or friend of the family, instead.