What is an executor?
An executor is the person or trustee company who will manage your estate after you die. Your Will names the executor, and gives them power to deal with your estate in accordance with the terms of your Will.
Your executor must follow the directions in your Will. They can’t make guesses and change your directions even if they think you might have changed your mind. If they fail to act on the Will, the court or Registrar of Probates can ask them to explain. The court or Registrar of Probates can take this action themselves or when someone complains.
Who should I choose as my executor?
Your executor could be a family member, friend, lawyer or other professional, such as an accountant or trustee company.
When choosing an executor, you should consider their circumstances and skill set to decide if they are suitable.
Things to consider? 
- You need to make sure the person you choose to be your executor has the skills and time to do it. You should ask them if they are happy to take on the responsibility.
- Your executor needs to be someone you can trust to carry out your wishes. It is their job to take control of your estate and make sure the right people get what they should.
- The executor also needs to be able to understand basic accounting, and deal comfortably with a range of people including banks and lawyers and your family. Sometimes they may need to deal with disputes between beneficiaries or claims being made against your estate.
- Your executor needs to carry out their responsibilities after you die, so an executor who is much older than you, is unwell or likely to move overseas is not a good choice, especially if you have children who may not benefit for some years.
- If you appoint a professional as executor, they will need to be paid from your estate. You should refer to payment for their services in your Will.
- Sometimes an executor might need professional assistance to undertake their role. Any costs associated with such professional help will be paid out of the estate before the assets are distributed.
Tip |
| Ask your executor if they are willing to take on the job. |
More than one executor? 
Even though you trust your executor, it can be good to have two people who can keep track of what is going on and make sure the right thing is done. You are allowed up to four executors, but this is not usually recommended.
If you choose to appoint more than one executor, make sure they can work together. If you appoint one executor, it is a good idea to appoint an alternate person in case your first person can’t (or won’t) take on the role after you die.
For more information on your executor’s role, see ‘What happens to my Will after I die?’.
