Most wills name one or more executors (personal representatives) to deal with the assets you leave behind. Often, that’s family members, friends or trusted advisers. The aim of the executors is to work together to make sure the deceased person’s wishes are carried out even when emotions are still raw.
What is an executor’s role?
An executor’s job is to take charge of the estate administration. They collect in the assets and pay any debts or taxes and then pass what’s left to the people named in the will.
When selecting a new executor, choose someone that you trust and that you believe will remain neutral and administer your trust or estate in accordance with your will and with reasonable care and skill.
For large or complex estates, this can be quite a task. There might be property to sell or shares to manage or trusts to set up. It’s a serious responsibility and executors have to keep careful records and act in the best interests of the estate at all times.
What does a will executor solicitor do?
Here at B P Collins, our team of highly experienced will solicitors provide expert advice to individuals and families regarding inheritance tax and estate planning as well as will drafting.
Our specialist advice includes explaining the roles of executors so that you can make informed decisions on who would be best suited to sort out your estate upon your death. We do recommend that for complex estates or tricky family situations that an independent administer be named as an executor in your will. We have several solicitors who act as estate administrators and provide an impartial, unbiased service using their knowledge of the relevant wills and probate laws.
It is crucial that a will is drafted without any errors or ambiguity, which may cause various complications and/or claims to or by the executors of the estate or the beneficiaries upon your death. Our experienced private client team can help reduce this risk by preparing your will and clarifying finer details with you to reduce later issues.
Removing executors
We understand that life and relationships change over time and you may wish to amend and remove an executor or personal representative that you previously named in your will. With our expert guidance, we’ll ensure your concerns are addressed and your will reflects your wishes.
If there is an executor dispute during your estate administration, then our contentious wills, trusts and probate solicitors are committed to resolving disputes efficiently and cost effectively, whilst achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
Partners Matthew Brandis and Craig Williams are mediation advocates and accredited mediators of the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), as well as being members of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).
Why choose B P Collins as your solicitors?
We can help ensure your wishes are legally recognised. Planning ahead ensures peace of mind, not just for you, but for those you love.
Our experienced private client team provides a confidential service tailored to your individual circumstances.
Our independent administrators are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly.
With 60 years of experience in wills and estate planning, we’re consistently ranked by leading independent legal directories Chambers High Net Worth and The Legal 500 for the strength of our private client law practice.
Contact our private client solicitors today
For further advice and information please contact our will lawyers at enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk or call 01753 889995.
