This article is written for people in England and Wales. Different rules can apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
A will is an act of care for the people you love. Executors (sometimes called “personal representatives”) are the people you choose to look after your affairs when you die. Choosing the right people — and keeping that choice under review — helps ensure your wishes are followed with kindness, competence and calm.
What executors actually do
– Arrange the funeral and carry out any funeral wishes you set out. 1
– Collect your assets (bank accounts, property, investments and so on). 1
– Pay any debts and bills from the estate, including dealing with inheritance tax matters and reporting to HMRC when required. 4
– Apply for probate (the legal right to deal with the estate) if needed, and then distribute what is left according to your will. 1
Executors do both practical and sensitive work: paperwork, conversations with banks and professionals, and the emotional labour of making choices on behalf of others. That combination makes it important to pick people who are willing, able and trusted.
When to review or change your executors
Life changes can make a previously sensible choice less suitable. Review your executor choices when any of the following happens:
- Death or serious illness. If an executor has died or becomes seriously ill, they may not be able to act. A review lets you name someone who will be available to carry out your wishes.
- Moving abroad. Relocation can make administration harder. An executor living overseas may need extra steps or may not be the best practical choice.
- Relationship changes. If you separate from, marry, or divorce a person named in your will, consider whether your will still reflects your wishes. Note that if you get divorced or your civil partnership is legally ended, gifts to your former spouse or civil partner are automatically revoked (treated as if they had died) and they are no longer an executor — but this is a specific legal effect rather than an automatic cancellation of the whole will. 3
- Loss of trust or willingness. Circumstances change. Someone once close to you might no longer be the right person to manage sensitive matters.
- Practical capacity and skills. Dealing with property, tax and paperwork may require time, organisation or access to digital accounts; choose people who can realistically manage those tasks.
How to change an executor properly
You should not rely on informal notes, emails or unsigned changes. A formal change must follow the legal signing and witnessing requirements for wills: a will (and any formal amendment called a codicil) must be signed and witnessed in the same way to be effective. 2 3
- Minor adjustments can be made by a codicil, but a codicil must be signed and witnessed in the same way as the original will. 3
- Many people prefer to make a new will when the change is more than a small tweak. A new will can be clearer and reduce the chance of confusion for the executors and the people who must act after your death. 3
Choosing more than one executor and naming backups
It is common and sensible to name two or more executors so they can share tasks and provide mutual support. You can also name substitute executors in case those you prefer are unavailable. Discussing the role with the people you nominate helps set expectations and ensures they are willing to act.
Practical considerations to discuss with prospective executors
– Will they be willing to take on administrative work and conversations with professionals?
– Are they organised and able to locate important documents (digital and paper)?
– Do they live in the UK (or readily travel there), and is their location helpful for managing property or bank accounts?
– Are they financially impartial — able to act without conflicts of interest?
Illustrative composite scenario
Mrs A named a close friend as sole executor when she wrote her will. Years later, the friend moved abroad and took on full-time care duties. Mrs A decided to update her will to appoint a local family member as executor and add a professional executor to help with tax and property matters. This mixed approach gave practical support and preserved trusted oversight.
Practical next steps
– Read your will and check who is named as executor. 1
– If circumstances above apply, speak to the people you might appoint and consider whether to create a codicil (for small changes) or to make a new will (for major changes). 3
– Ensure any formal change is signed and witnessed exactly as required. 2
– For questions about tax or HMRC forms, an executor may need professional help; HMRC guidance explains what is usually required. 4
Legal-information disclaimer
This article provides general legal information for England and Wales and is not personal legal advice. Different rules can apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. For advice tailored to your circumstances, speak to a solicitor or a regulated wills professional.