Yes. In England and Wales, you can appoint more than one executor in your Will, but you can also name just one. A sole executor can usually apply for probate and deal with your estate on their own. If you appoint several executors, up to four can work together and be granted probate.
What do I need to include in my Will if I only appoint one executor
If you only want one person to act as executor, you should name a substitute as a backup. For example, you might appoint your spouse as your sole executor and name an adult child to step in if your spouse dies before you or is unable or unwilling to act. Your Will should make clear when the substitute takes over.
How can executors work together in practice?
If you appoint two people to act together, they can share the work. One might deal with the banks while the other liaises with the estate agent. Before you decide on who your executors could be think about how well they communicate and whether they could agree on a decision such as when to accept an offer on your home.
What happens if one of the executor cannot or does not want to act as executor?
If one of your executors wants to step back for now, the other can usually apply for probate alone. The executor who steps back can keep the right to apply later. This is known as having ‘power reserved’.
Before you decide, ask the people you have in mind whether they would be willing to act. If you’re making or updating your Will and would like to talk through who to appoint, get in touch with Margaret Ambrose.