Joint executors - one wants to buy property

Chloe_G

My mother needs to amend her will as her executor is ill and will be not able to fulfill this duty.  Her four children are equal beneficiaries.  She was going to name two of the children as executors but one of these wants to buy the others out of the house.  I've just read about self-dealing so realise this may be a problem. (These two children have the time to be executors which is why she was going to name them.)

If all four children become the executors, will it still be a problem?  The children are all on good terms currently and are in full agreement of this happening.  

My mother cannot think of anyone else suitable to be an executor and does not really want to appoint a solicitor to do the job.

Or should she name just three children as executors and leave out the one who wants to buy the house?

She is going to get a solicitor to write up the amended will as her original will was made some time ago and would like to be informed before the meeting.

Thank you.

Keep_pedalling

For simplicity I would appoint the other 3 children as executors. There are other options but she should talk all this through with the solicitor she chooses to draft the will.

Linton

I don’t see any point in having more than 2 executors. Having extra just adds to the paperwork and hassle in coordination and finding them all something to do so they don’t feel left out.  If everyone agrees then why have all as executors, and if they don’t agree doing so just makes the situation more complicated.

To avoid rivalry, perhaps mother could ask for volunteers or the children just agree amongst themselves and let mother know.