The role of Executor is not something to be undertaken lightly. As this article sets out, it comes with risks, but also can be an incredibly stressful (and usually unpaid) role. All too often you see warring siblings both appointed as Executors (who are also beneficiaries), at loggerheads with each other, at huge expense. There is also the pressure sometimes applied by beneficiaries to distribute the estate. All at a time when everyone is grieving the loss of a loved one.
For this reason, particularly where there is a potential dispute or anything other than strong relations within the family, it is often appropriate to appoint a solicitor as Executor. Doing so can save costs in the long run, not to mention the peace of mind that proper skill and expertise will be applied.
Hedges can help. Please contact our inheritance lawyers if you have any concerns relating to a will, if you are an Executor in need of advice, or if you a embroiled in a dispute and cannot see a way forward.
How to tackle executor liabilities Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels By Jonathan Arr and Jacob Ward Would you risk your house to help deal with a deceased relatives assets? What if you were potentially put in that position without even agreeing to it? Personal representatives including both executors, who are named in a will, and administrators, who are not are most often relatives or close friends, who may have no legal training or prior experience.