Query about address of Executor of Will – Probate application

walking_man

There are three of us acting as joint executors for our late father’s will. It is being handled by the family solicitor and we will be “swearing the oath” in their office altogether.

One of the executors currently doesn’t have a fixed address as they have been away travelling, although they may well be moving back home soon for various reasons. They have all their bank / credit card statements going to our mother’s address at the moment. They are thinking of using this address when filling in the probate form as this is the nearest they have to a proper address.

It’s possible though that they may have changed address again by the time the whole thing goes through.

Does anyone know how important the accuracy of the address is for executors? Do the people processing the probate application check up on the address of executors via the electoral roll or credit reference agencies or other data checks?

We just don’t want any delays in the process or any complications.

The executor in question is thinking of making themselves “power reserved” to avoid any possible problems. (which could also avoid them having to come back from their travels too much).

Is there anyone who has experience of the probate process who can advise on what the best course of action would be?

Has anyone ever had experience of “power reserved” and is it worth doing if there are 3 executors?

Is it better to have all the executors actively involved in the process or is it better just to let one or two people take charge?

I hope someone can be of help.

Thanks.

Marcon

People move the whole time. Provided the peripatetic executor gives an address where they can be contacted (e.g. post could be collected or forwarded from a particular address), that should be fine.

The executors are all equally liable, so much depends on how happy all 3 of you are in having different amounts of involvement.

Given that your family solicitor is helping you, ask them about 'power reserved' and whether it would be helpful here.

LobsterMemory

I think that reserving powers would be the sensible course of action in the travelling executor's situation. It's almost designed for it.

There are quite a bit of delays in the whole process anyway so adding potentially more while you wait for them to return to sign or agree to something will just add to that.