Who can be an executor of a will?

Your executor is responsible for carrying out everything in your will. One of their first tasks is to apply for probate. This is the legal process that gives them the authority to deal with your estate.

Even with a straightforward estate, the process can take several months. Tasks can include:

• selling property at the right time to get the best value for beneficiaries (the people who inherit from your will)
• making sure the correct amount of Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax is paid
• resolving any disputes about the estate.

It's an important responsibility, but executors can hire professionals to help them if needed. They don't have to do everything themselves.

You can appoint almost anyone as your executor, as long as they are aged 18 or over at the time they apply for probate.

It's common to choose a spouse, civil partner, adult child or close friend.

There is no rule against beneficiaries also being executors. This is very common. But they cannot be one of the witnesses to your will.

You can appoint up to four executors, but they must all act jointly.

In practice, two is usually the right number. If one executor dies before you or decides they don't want the role, the other can still act.

You can also name substitute executors in your will as a backup.

Yes, but they won't be able to apply for probate until their 18th birthday.

If the young person is also a beneficiary, you must appoint at least two executors.

Choose someone you trust to follow your wishes and handle any disagreements fairly.

It helps if they're organised and comfortable with paperwork, but it's not essential. They can appoint a solicitor or other professional to assist at the time if they need to.

A family member is often a natural choice, like an adult child, niece, nephew or grandchild.

Before you name anyone, ask them if they're willing to take on the role. If they say no after your will is written, you'll need to update it.

Think carefully before naming your spouse or partner as your only executor. They'll already be dealing with grief. Naming a second executor alongside them can take some of the administrative burden off their shoulders.

Some people appoint a solicitor, accountant, bank or probate specialist as an executor. The advantage is expertise — professionals are experienced with legal, tax and property matters.

The downside is cost. Professional executors can be expensive, and fees vary widely:

• Grant of Probate only: £500 to £2,000
• Full probate and estate administration: £3,500 to £20,000 or more.

Professionals may charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of your estate's total value. Make sure you understand how you'll be charged before appointing anyone in your will.

A better option for most people is to appoint a trusted person as executor, who can then bring in professional help if and when they need it. This is usually more cost-effective.

Before appointing a professional, ask the firm what happens if your next of kin later wants to manage the estate themselves.

Most firms will step down if asked, but there is usually a fee.

Make sure you understand this process upfront.

If there is genuinely no one who can act as your executor, the Public Trustee — a government official — can step in as a last resort. They will charge a fee based on a percentage of your estate's value before tax.

This option is worth knowing about if, for example, your will leaves everything to one person who is unable to act, such as a young child or someone whose disability affects their ability to manage financial affairs.

The Public Trustee is not suitable if your estate is likely to have more debts than assets, as their fees still apply.

Before you make your final choice, ask your chosen executor if they're willing to take on the role.

Make sure their full name and address are included in your will so they can be contacted.

Consider naming substitute executors in case your first choice is unable to act.

Ready to write your will? Our guides can help you through the process:

• How do I write a will and how much does it cost?
• DIY wills – what you need to know
• What is a will-writing service?
• Using a solicitor to write your will
• Where to store your will and how to tell your executor