What is an Executor and what do they do?

We often say we’d trust someone with our life. Well, an executor is the person we trust with our death – or at least what happens after our demise.

An executor is the friend or relative or professional that we nominate to carry out the instructions in our will. It can be a great honour but it’s also hard work and a massive responsibility.

His or her duties start with arranging the funeral. Where practical, they should follow the instructions in your will. You may, for example, have requested a church service followed by burial or cremation.

Next up is identifying and valuing your assets. That includes property like houses, cars, jewellery and other personal items of value as well as bank accounts, insurance policies, pensions and investments. This can be a lot more complex than we think. A wise man told me :”It’s knowing the unknown.”

Then it’s filling in the tax forms, applying for probate and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries named in the will. Be aware that an executor must be aged 18 or over and can be a beneficiary in your will.

Nominate an executor to carry out your instructions by contacting Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243.