Where there’s a will, there’s an executor

Karen Walsh asks who’ll dispose of our property when we die, and if it’s a good idea to agree to be an executor

An executor is the person appointed by a person in his or her will to administer the estate and take out a grant of probate to the estate of the deceased. He can issue proceedings and enter into contracts to sell land. The role of the executor is quite onerous and it is preferable to appoint more than one in your will.

Once an executor undertakes the administration of an estate, his role as executor never ceases and he will always be the executor of that estate. It is important therefore that an executor discharges his duties correctly in order to ensure that he has all the appropriate clearances and discharges to protect his position.