How many Executors should a Will have?

Choosing how many Executors to appoint in your Will is an important decision. Many people wonder: should I name just one person, or involve two, three, or even more? The answer depends on balancing practical responsibilities, clarity, and avoiding unnecessary complications.

Why appoint Executors?  

Executors manage the estate after someone dies. They gather assets, pay debts, apply for the Grant of Probate, and distribute inheritances. You must name at least one Executor, but you can choose up to four people to act at once. Only those appointed will be eligible to apply for probate.  

Appointing more than one Executor can provide continuity in case someone dies or becomes unwell. The Law Society and Trustee guides often recommend naming at least two to avoid delay.  

One Executor vs multiple Executors 

Pros of a single Executor: 

• Faster decision‑making;
• Less chance of disagreement between people;
• Ideal if the estate is simple and the chosen person is available and trustworthy.

Pros of multiple Executors: 

• Workload can be shared;
• If one person is unavailable, another can step in;
• Useful if you want different skills, for example, one Executor good with family communication and another with financial detail.

However, too many Executors may cause delays if all need to agree on decisions. The law requires that actions by Executors affecting land must be unanimously approved.  

How many Executors are too many? 

While there is no legal limit to how many Executors you can name, only four can legally act at any one time. Naming more than four can create confusion and could prevent all from being granted probate. Most people choose two Executors. 

What if the Executors disagree or someone cannot act? 

If one of multiple Executors cannot act, they can: 

• Renounce their Executorship before probate is applied for, through a formal renunciation form (Deed of Renunciation).
• Ask for Power Reserved, which allows them to step in later if needed.

If disagreements occur among Executors, issues can be resolved through: 

• Mediation or negotiation;
• Alternatively, applying to the Court for directions, removal of an Executor, or granting a single Executor power.

Who makes a good Executor? 

Here is the key criteria: 

• Someone you trust implicitly;
• Comfortable with paperwork and decision‑making;
• Works well with others if co‑Executors are appointed;
• Preferably lives locally or is easily contactable;
• Professional, if needed (e.g., Solicitor or Accountant) for complex estates.  

You can appoint one family member and one professional Executor to combine strengths. This can be especially useful if there are potential conflicts or complex assets.  

Summary: How many Executors should a Will have? 

You must have at least one Executor, and can have up to four acting at any time. Most people choose two to reduce risk and maintain clarity. If you want someone local and someone with financial skills, two or three Executors offer the best balance. 

Deciding how many Executors your Will should have requires thought and balance. Too few and the burden may fall unfairly; too many and decision-making can slow. Aim for two or possibly three trusted individuals, and include substitutes in case someone cannot act.