Appointment of a professional executor

Clients who are considering the appointment of a professional executor (such as a solicitor, firm or trust corporation) must be provided with sufficient information to make an informed decision about the appointment and its related costs.

Clients should be aware of the choice of using either a professional or lay person when appointing an executor, and that if a lay person is appointed, they may engage the services of a professional to assist with the administration of the estate on the client's death.

These requirements apply to all methods of will writing services, including face-to-face, online and postal packs.

This practice note is the Law Society’s view of good practice in this area, and is not legal advice. For more information see the legal status.