Executors of a will

[Kazal]

How can I decide who to choose as executor of my will if I do not want to have a solicitor as one. I wish to leave my whole estate to my daughter and she will be one of the executors.Her husband is the same age as me, my brother is a bit younger but not in good health,my sister is older and has just emigrated to Australia and I do not have any other family to call on. Unfortunately I tend to look at the situation that I do not choose anyone who might precede me in passing on. I know that is not the way to look at it as none of us know when we are likely to depart, but I find it difficult to see it any other way. What will happen if an executor dies before me, do I have to go back to the will writer and amend it (leaving me in the same position I am now) or what?

[Barmaid]

If there are no minor beneficiaries and no trust fund, no reason why you can't appoint your daughter on her own.

[ladybirder]

I don't think it's unusual to have only one executor. That's all I've got.

[Barmaid]

oh I forgot to say, if you do appoint another one and he predeceases you, you can appoint a replacement by codicil (rather than a whole new will).

[Brimoan]

I agree with Barmaid.
Another point you might want to consider is do you have anybody who you would like to be the beneficiary should your daughter not outlive you.
Probably you might name her husband but you may want to consider other relatives if this happens.
Myself and my father have reserve beneficiaries in our wills and I am a reserve beneficiary to another member of the wider family.
Hopefully I will never get that inheritance.

[dzug2]

And remember if the executor predeceases you it does not invalidate the whole will. There is a pecking order of substitutes who can apply for the probate process if there is no valid executor named. From memory it's parents then children then siblings - but I could have that wrong.