Choosing an executor is among the most important decisions you can make when you are creating your will. The Executor will ultimately be the person responsible for fulfilling your final wishes and settling your estate.
According to the experts at GoodTrust, “The executor should be a responsible person with a good financial standing, who is emotionally grounded enough to neutrally handle your wishes.” As such, making sure you choose the right Executor is critically important. Here are seven tips to make sure you get it right. Read more about
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- Make sure you talk about it with the person ahead of time. Make sure they fully understand the requirements of the job, have ample experience to deal with the distribution of your estate and are willing to do so.
Having someone reject the role of executor could be a big problem for your estate and survivors, and it is a problem that is avoidable with a simple phone call.
- Make sure the individual in question has the appropriate financial skills to manage such a transaction. Serving as executor will mean distributing money, writing checks, and closing accounts. In other words, this is a position that requires real financial skills.
- Consider the age and health of the person you are appointing. If you are concerned about either of these factors, consider appointing a secondary executor to take over the position in the event that your first choice is either unable to fulfill its responsibilities or passes away.
- Consider someone who can resolve conflict. Hopefully, the distribution of your estate will be a drama-free event. If you are concerned that it won’t be, selecting someone who is capable of resolving these issues becomes even more important.
- Make sure it is someone who is familiar with local laws, customs, and culture. They don’t have to be located in the same place as you, but they should be with someone who knows the legal system of your area.This can help ensure that there are limited problems for people as they try to navigate your local legal system and deal with local businesses and banks.
- Make sure it is someone who will have the time to manage your affairs appropriately. If you have a bank CEO who would be wonderful at the job, great, but if they don’t have the time or capacity to serve as your executor, naming them could be a disaster for your estate and survivors.
- Consider compensation. If it’s someone you know and trust, and someone who cares for you, compensation may not be necessary.
However, if your estate is particularly complicated, this may be necessary. Regardless, make sure that the issue is settled before you make an appointment.
All of these tips are good starting points, but you should also make sure that you have a longer conversation with your attorney and heirs before finalizing the choice of an executor. Doing so can help to alleviate any potential problems in the event of your death.
What Does an Executor Do?
An executor is the person named in a will to carry out the wishes in that will after the person who made it has died. The executor’s job usually includes these tasks:
- Finding the will and the assets: Locating the will, bank accounts, property, investments, and debts.
- Applying for probate: Asking the court to confirm the will is valid and to give the executor the legal power to act. This step is called probate, and the rules differ by place.
- Paying debts and taxes: Paying any debts, bills, and taxes owed by the estate before anything is given to the beneficiaries.
- Sharing out the estate: Giving the remaining money and property to the people named in the will, as the will says.
- Keeping records: Keeping clear records of all money in and out, and giving a final account to the beneficiaries.
Who Can Be an Executor?
In most places, an executor must be an adult, usually 18 or older, and of sound mind. They do not need to be a lawyer, and they can be a family member, a friend, or a professional such as a lawyer or a trust company. A person who is bankrupt or who has been convicted of certain crimes may not be allowed to act as an executor in some places, so check the rules where you live. An executor can also be one of the beneficiaries of the will, and in many places you can name more than one executor, or name a backup executor in case your first choice cannot act.
Executor vs. Power of Attorney: What Is the Difference?
| Role | When it applies | What the person does |
|---|---|---|
| Power of attorney | While you are alive | Makes decisions for you if you cannot, such as managing money or health care |
| Executor | After you die | Carries out your will and shares out your estate |
A power of attorney ends when you die. An executor’s role starts when you die. Many people name the same trusted person for both roles, but they are different jobs with different powers.
Should You Choose a Family Member or a Professional Executor?
- Family member or friend: They know you and your family, and they may charge little or nothing. But the job can be hard and take many months, and it can cause conflict if family members disagree.
- Professional executor: A lawyer or a trust company has the skills and the time to handle a complex estate, and they are neutral. But they charge a fee, which comes out of the estate.
- Both: Some people name a family member and a professional together. The family member knows the people and the wishes, and the professional handles the legal and financial work.
How to Change an Executor
You can change the executor in your will at any time while you are alive, by making a new will or by adding a codicil (a written change to the will). Tell the old executor that they are no longer named, tell the new executor, and keep the new will in a safe place where it can be found. It is a good idea to review your will every few years, or after big life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of an executor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an executor do?
An executor carries out the wishes in a will. They find the assets, apply for probate, pay debts and taxes, share out the estate, and keep records of all money in and out.
Can a beneficiary also be the executor?
Yes, in most places. A beneficiary can also act as the executor, and many people choose a trusted family member who is also a beneficiary.
How long does an executor’s job take?
It depends on the size of the estate. A simple estate may take a few months, while a large or complex estate with property, taxes, or disputes can take a year or more.
Do executors get paid?
In many places, an executor can be paid a fee from the estate for their work, and the will can state the amount. Family members often act for free, while professional executors charge a fee.
Can I change my executor later?
Yes. You can change the executor at any time while you are alive, by making a new will or by adding a codicil. Tell the old and new executors, and keep the new will in a safe place.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Will and probate rules differ by country and by state, so talk to a qualified lawyer before you make or change a will.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026