Changing Executors

Grannydebt

I created a will over 20 years ago when I got divorced. I assigned two individuals to be the executors. My children were young at the time, and the people I chose as executors are older than me. The instructions in the will are straightforward: sell all assets, pay off any debts, and then divide any remaining money among my children or their descendants if they pass away before me.

The appointed executors are now elderly, and I don't think it's fair to expect them to fulfil this role. I would like to appoint two of my children as the new executors in their place. The instructions in the will would remain the same, but I'm not sure if I need to create a new will to officially appoint the new executors. I want to ensure that the new executors won't encounter any administrative problems when they come to settle my estate and distribute the money.

Many thanks for your help.

Keep_pedalling

You really should make a new will, and unless you have a very small estate you should make one with a local solicitor to make sure all the what ifs are covered.

Grannydebt

Thank you @Keep_pedalling. I used a local solicitor to create the will. I hoped to avoid this expense as the only change necessary is the executors. If I have to pay for a new will to change the executors I'll just have to bite the bullet.

Savvy_Sue

Does the will cover all the what if scenarios?

Grannydebt

Savvy_Sue said:

Does the will cover all the what if scenarios?

Yes, I think so, it sets up a "cascade" starting with my children,  then the children of a deceased child. If all my children and grandchildren predeceased me it goes equally to my siblings and finally, if one of them is dead their children, my nieces and nephews get their parent's share. That is currently 20 people, some of them children including a baby so I don't think it would be necessary to increase the cascade to great nieces and nephews and/or cousins.