Choosing an executor without starting a family argument

Being named an executor is not an honour. It is unpaid administrative work that takes months: collecting assets, paying debts, filing for probate, then distributing what is left and keeping records that prove you did it properly.

How many to appoint

One is efficient. Two is sensible if they live near each other and agree easily. Four is a committee, and every signature has to be chased.

Appoint a substitute. Executors die, move overseas, or simply decline when the time comes, and an estate with no willing executor goes back to the court.

What the job involves, week by week

In the first month: locate the will, register the death with the banks and funds, and stop what needs stopping. In the second and third: apply for probate and start the inventory. After that: collect, pay debts and tax, keep records, and distribute what is left with a statement each beneficiary can read.

The mistakes that cost executors money

An executor can instruct a solicitor and charge the reasonable cost to the estate, which is worth doing, because these four mistakes are expensive and common.

• Distributing early, before the claim period has run

• Selling an asset without agreement, then being asked to justify the price

• Paying one beneficiary ahead of the others out of kindness

• Keeping no records, and being asked for them a year later

When to appoint a professional

If the estate involves a business, a blended family, or a beneficiary who is likely to contest, an independent executor removes the person you love most from the middle of the argument. It costs more. It is often the kinder choice.

Whoever you choose, tell them before you name them. It is not a surprise anyone enjoys.