<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1223437568524110&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Can a Solicitor be an Executor of a Will? 

Can a Solicitor be an Executor of a Will? They certainly can, as a professional Executor can be appointed in a Will. Although professional Executors are not limited to Solicitors, and can include probate specialists.  

The Testator (the person writing the Will) can choose up to four Executors in their Will, who will be responsible for administering their estate when they pass away. Read more about what is meant by the administration of an estate. Executors can be loved ones of the deceased, professional probate providers, or a mixture of the two. For example, a Testator could name a professional and up to three loved ones as Executors.  

 


 

Do I have to appoint a Solicitor as an Executor? 

There is no necessity to name a professional in a Will, and you can solely name loved ones as Executors. It is advisable to name more than one Executor in case they are unable to take on the role.  

A professional does not need to be named in the Will to help with the estate administration. The Executors could still choose to appoint a professional when they are faced with administering the estate. 

The appointed professional will likely take their fee from the deceased’s estate once sufficient funds have been collected. This means the Executors do not have to pay for the service out of their own pockets. Read about “How much does a Solicitor charge to administer an estate?”.  

 

The benefits of a professional Executor 

Professional Executors can alleviate the emotional strain when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Handling the estate of someone who has passed away is a daunting task, often exacerbated by the emotional weight of the loss. By entrusting these responsibilities to a professional, families can focus on healing rather than becoming entangled in the complexities of estate administration. 

Having a professional Executor can also mitigate risks significantly. Professionals often possess the expertise to handle estate administration promptly and accurately,ensuring compliance with legal requirements and maximising financial benefits.  

 

What should I do if a Solicitor is named in the Will but I don’t want to use them? 

If a Solicitor is named as a professional Executor in the Will but you do not wish to appoint them, you can ask a professional Executor to renounce their responsibility. You can then either administer the estate yourself or appoint a different Solicitor or probate specialist to complete the work.  

Read more about whether you need a Solicitor to administer a Will and how much Solicitors charge to administer an estate.  

Are you dealing with the death of a loved one?

If someone close to you has passed away and you have questions about probate and what needs to be done, our team of specialists are on hand to help. Discuss the next steps and how professional support can reduce the burden.