A: Yes they if you want them to. Today it is often common that those who will get the estate have a role to play in the organising of the estate before it is given.

A: In most estates today, it is common to appoint the Executors as Trustees. The main difference that the Trustee is the person responsible for making the decisions that maintain the estate whilst it is held on trust before it is given to the beneficiaries, and the executor is the person that carries out (or executes) the actions and wishes of the trustees during this time.

A: You can appoint anyone you like. It is likely however, that when your estate is going through probate, that you will some part require some professional assistance. Our advice is to choose people you absolutely trust and ensure that the will includes a statement  that empowers them to employ any professionals that have already been nominated.

A: No, although it is always prudent to have some executors in the country in which you are residing.

A: You can choose as many Executors as you like, but the law only allows a maximum of four to act at the same time.

A: It is very common for the guardians to be Executors. It normally follows that if you trust someone to take care of your children, then they should have some form of access to the assets of the estate to provide for your children. It should also  be mentioned that there are some instances where the Guardian (e.g. a divorced parent) should not be allowed direct access to the assets, but go through an alternative Executor.

A: No, Wills are not shopping lists. If you want specific objects, collections or even amounts of money to go to particular people, then yes you should list these. However, what you do not identify in your estate (everything else not listed- whatever it is) is dealt with through distribution of the residue.

A: Not at all. A gift can be any value you like (e.g.£10,000 or your House etc.)

A: Yes, but we need to know full name , address and the Registered number of the charity. All gifts to charities are tax free they can be used to reduce any Inheritance Tax Liability. 

A: Yes, this is what Trustees are for- to see that the gifts you leave are preserved as best as possible until they should be given at the time you have specified.