Jump to content

How many executors can you have in a will ?

Recommended Posts

Not quite sure which part of sf to post this question in. Most people have two executors in a will but what if the executors die first. ? Wouldn't it be better to have 3 or 4 ? Your answers would be much appreciated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I read somewhere to say that it's "up to four executors to act at a time, but they all have to act jointly so it might not be practical to appoint that many people."

 

You do have to be very precise of which executor is responsible for what if you want to appoint more than one. Also how do you want them to act on your behalf? Jointly or severally?

Edited by kymama
additional info

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I read somewhere to say that it's "up to four executors to act at a time, but they all have to act jointly so it might not be practical to appoint that many people."

 

You do have to be very precise of which executor is responsible for what if you want to appoint more than one. Also how do you want them to act on your behalf? Jointly or severally?

 

Thank you for your helpful reply I will pass the information on to my friend.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can do something like. " I appoint Fred and Judith as my executors, but if neither of them is willing or able to act then I appoint Tom and Emma." Note that the Executors you appoint will not necessarily feel able to act at the time of your death and are not obliged to do so. If you appoint four, say, executors what may happen is that they all agree that one or two of them will act with the others being in reserve. Then again, there could be arguments about who should act if your executors do not trust each other, so specifying an order of preference may be beneficial.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
You can do something like. " I appoint Fred and Judith as my executors, but if neither of them is willing or able to act then I appoint Tom and Emma." Note that the Executors you appoint will not necessarily feel able to act at the time of your death and are not obliged to do so. If you appoint four, say, executors what may happen is that they all agree that one or two of them will act with the others being in reserve. Then again, there could be arguments about who should act if your executors do not trust each other, so specifying an order of preference may be beneficial.

 

It is not a will for myself but for my friend who has asked for my advice. Her executors would be all related to each other.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Not quite sure which part of sf to post this question in. Most people have two executors in a will but what if the executors die first. ? Wouldn't it be better to have 3 or 4 ? Your answers would be much appreciated.

Post #2 is more or less accurate. But the testator can nominate any quantity. That makes it possible for one or more to 'reserve power' (i.e. to let other/others deal with it). Example: nominating all the partners in a large firm of solicitors.

There is a limit of four re who can actually take the Grant of Probate UNLESS it's a charitable trust [no limit].

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
You can do something like. " I appoint Fred and Judith as my executors, but if neither of them is willing or able to act then I appoint Tom and Emma." Note that the Executors you appoint will not necessarily feel able to act at the time of your death and are not obliged to do so. If you appoint four, say, executors what may happen is that they all agree that one or two of them will act with the others being in reserve. Then again, there could be arguments about who should act if your executors do not trust each other, so specifying an order of preference may be beneficial.

 

I have been asked this question yet again by another one of my elderly neighbours so looks like the answer to my original question is that you can have up to four executors . Is this correct ? Also they wouldn’t have to be too old would they ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I have been asked this question yet again by another one of my elderly neighbours so looks like the answer to my original question is that you can have up to four executors . Is this correct ? Also they wouldn’t have to be too old would they ?

 

Age shouldn't be a barrier providing they're mobile enough to visit the various places you need to go (town hall, court, banks etc).

 

I've been an executor before and would do so again. I'd guard against doing it jointly unless you have plenty of time and the other person is flexible, having to co-ordinate visits with another person can be a pain especially if they live miles away. It also depends on how complex the estate and will is though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Age shouldn't be a barrier providing they're mobile enough to visit the various places you need to go (town hall, court, banks etc).

 

I've been an executor before and would do so again. I'd guard against doing it jointly unless you have plenty of time and the other person is flexible, having to co-ordinate visits with another person can be a pain especially if they live miles away. It also depends on how complex the estate and will is though.

 

You say age shouldn’t be a barrier but if they are older than the person making the will, they could die before the will maker. Say an older brother or sister so surely it would be better to appoint a son, daughter, nephew or niece ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
You say age shouldn’t be a barrier but if they are older than the person making the will, they could die before the will maker. Say an older brother or sister so surely it would be better to appoint a son, daughter, nephew or niece ?

 

That makes sense.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just keep an eye on the health of the executors. If they start looking frail, or even dead, then change the will. I should imagine that having more than 2 executors would be a little unwieldy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.