Unable to locate co executor named in will

donglemouse

In case it's relevant the deceased was located in Northern Ireland

I am named in the will for my mother as an executor, a second person is also named as an executor

The will was written about 25 years ago

In brief we have no idea who the second person is and the address that's given for them in the will no longer exists (confirmed by the rates authority who now have the address as a telecom mast and street view which appears to show a housing development built where the address was)

The plan would have been to involve the second executor but I can't find them to discuss matters. For what worth they are not a relative nor beneficiary of the will and no one knows who they are, my mother died a number of months ago and we are still none the wiser who the person is.

They were possibly a solicitor but it doesn't specify this in the will and their name doesn't match any solicitor registered with the law society. We have also tried searching the phone book, social media etc. with no luck

If I can't find them I can't ask them to renounce their executor position or reserve powers for example - anyone know what happens?

I am trying to keep the costs down and not involve solicitors unless completely necessary.

At this stage the tax forms are all complete and ready to send to HMRC.

Yorkshireman99

donglemouse wrote: »

In case it's relevant the deceased was located in Northern Ireland

I am named in the will for my mother as an executor, a second person is also named as an executor

The will was written about 25 years ago

In brief we have no idea who the second person is and the address that's given for them in the will no longer exists (confirmed by the rates authority who now have the address as a telecom mast and street view which appears to show a housing development built where the address was)

The plan would have been to involve the second executor but I can't find them to discuss matters. For what worth they are not a relative nor beneficiary of the will and no one knows who they are, my mother died a number of months ago and we are still none the wiser who the person is.

They were possibly a solicitor but it doesn't specify this in the will and their name doesn't match any solicitor registered with the law society. We have also tried searching the phone book, social media etc. with no luck

If I can't find them I can't ask them to renounce their executor position or reserve powers for example - anyone know what happens?

I am trying to keep the costs down and not involve solicitors unless completely necessary.

At this stage the tax forms are all complete and ready to send to HMRC.

You can apply on your own. Just send a covering letter with the probate application.

Keep_pedalling

Might be worth checking the death records to see if there is any record of this person's death. If they are deceased then that is you problem solved, otherwise speak to the probate office for advice.

donglemouse

thanks folks - we have checked the death records, because as you suggested that would close out the issue. However there's nothing there, but it's on the list of checks I have made in order to demonstrate all reasonable efforts made etc.

I just wasn't sure how far you had to go e.g. potentially taking out a newspaper advert or anything like that (ideally i'd rather not due to cost)

I had approached the probate service in NI but the person I spoke to wasn't particularly helpful and told me to get a solicitor - which isn't something I want to pay for unless it's absolutely needed

SeniorSam

ASk the TRust office, but you may be required to advertise in the local press or a recognised Press for the other executor or anyone who knows where they may be. The Executor and Trustee department of your own bank may be able to offer advice.
Sam