Acting As An Executor

Acting as an Executor

If a family member or friend asks you to be the executor of their Will, your role will be to ensure their estate is managed according to their wishes and the law. While being an executor can seem daunting, it won’t cost you anything—any expenses will be covered by the estate. However, you can’t be paid for the role unless you’re a professional and the Will specifically allows for this.

You can be both an executor and a beneficiary of a Will. Many people also choose to appoint a solicitor as a co-executor to help manage the process smoothly. At Rosalind Watchorn Solicitors, we’re always happy to assist, providing practical, accurate, and friendly advice to family executors.

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Legal Responsibilities of an Executor

‍As an executor, your main responsibility is to ensure the wishes of the person who passed away are carried out as stated in their Will. This includes gathering and valuing their assets, paying any debts or taxes, and distributing what's left to the beneficiaries. You may also need to apply for probate, which gives you the legal right to manage the estate. It’s a role that requires care and attention, but you won’t be alone—we’re here to help guide you every step of the way to make sure everything is done properly.

If you’ve been asked to act as an executor, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re here to guide you through the process and explain your rights and responsibilities.