One of the most important things you have to do when making a will is to choose its executor. This is the person tasked with managing the estate as it goes through probate and ensuring that everything is distributed to the beneficiaries as per your final wishes.
An executor can be a family member or even an outsider, such as a professional accountant. When choosing your executor, you need to ensure that the individual you pick is capable of doing the job.
The traits you should look out for
Perhaps the most important trait is that the executor should have your full trust and confidence. Given that they will be in charge of your estate for some time, the executor should have your beneficiaries’ interests at heart.
An executor should also be responsible and well-organized. Managing an estate may involve a lot, and you need someone willing and able to execute the duties to the best of their ability.
Can you have more than one executor?
It is possible to have more than one executor of your will. The co-executors will work together in administering the estate, although it may come with its challenges. Still, it is advisable to name at least two individuals to act as executors so that if one is unable to play the role, the other can take over.
It is possible to change the executor of your will
It is possible to change the executor of the will if you think that they are no longer competent enough to play the role. You can do this by coming up with an entirely new will or having an amendment called a codicil in your current will to change any terms, including who should act as its executor.
Remember, the person you settle on as your executor may determine how smooth probate will be and if any dispute among the beneficiaries will spiral out of control.
