Taking on the role of Executor can be stressful, time consuming and confusing. Upon a persons passing their estate becomes the responsibility of the Executor and as the Executor they will distribute the estate as set out in the Will.

Be aware that as an Executor you will hold personal liabilities and an obligation to fulfil a set number of duties. It's vital that you know what these duties are and that you will be able to carry them out. Here are a few points to consider when assigning a Executor.

• If you have someone in mind, would that be happy and willing to take on the role of Executor? They are able to opt out even if they say yes initially so it's important to have others named as well.
• You should look to choose people around your own age, choosing those older than you comes with the risk of you out living them and being left with no Executors when the time comes.
• Trust and Faith. These are vitally important qualities you need to have in the person you are giving Executor status to. They are going to be the ones responsible for dealing with your final wishes.

Did you know that the law states that Executors should:

• They should not look  to make a profit from their position unless explicitly authorised to do so
• The interests of the Beneficiaries must be put first
• They must act reasonably in all matters pertaining to the estate
• Be able to show to the Beneficiaries accounts of all the money which has been dealt with