Can an executor also inherit from me?

Yes. It's common for an executor to be a beneficiary too, such as a spouse or adult child.

Do I need to ask my executor first?

It's a good idea. Being an executor takes time and effort, so check they are willing and tell them where your will is kept.

How many executors should I name?

One or two is common, plus a substitute. Several executors acting together must usually cooperate, which can slow things down.

Executors, guardians and beneficiaries

What is an executor?

An executor is the person you name in your will to carry out your wishes after you die.

In 30 seconds

They carry out your will

Your executor is the person responsible for following the instructions in your will.

They gather and pay

They find out what you owned, collect it, and pay your debts and funeral costs.

Then they pass it on

Once debts are paid, they give what's left to the people you named.

Name a backup too

A substitute executor can step in if your first choice can't or won't act.

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Your executor gathers what you own, pays your debts and funeral costs, and passes the rest to the people named in your will. It is a position of trust, so choose someone reliable who is willing to do it.

What an executor does

After your death, your executor usually needs to:

Find your will and arrange for it to be proved at the Probate Registry
Make a list of what you owned and what you owed
Collect money and property, and pay debts, taxes and funeral costs
Pass on gifts and the rest of your estate to your beneficiaries
Keep records of everything they do

Who can be an executor

Many people choose a spouse, an adult child, a sibling or a trusted friend. You can also appoint a professional, such as a lawyer. An executor can also be one of your beneficiaries.

You can name more than one executor to act together, and a substitute in case your first choice can't act.

Key points

An executor carries out your will.
Choose someone reliable and ask them first.
Name a substitute executor as a backup.

Common mistakes

Naming someone without asking them.
Not naming a substitute executor.

Questions people ask

Can an executor also inherit from me?: Yes. It's common for an executor to be a beneficiary too, such as a spouse or adult child.
Do I need to ask my executor first?: It's a good idea. Being an executor takes time and effort, so check they are willing and tell them where your will is kept.
How many executors should I name?: One or two is common, plus a substitute. Several executors acting together must usually cooperate, which can slow things down.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice about your circumstances. A qualified lawyer reviews your will before you sign it.

Last updated 24 September 2026.