Choosing an executor

I have 3 executors - my 3 children.

Our two sons are our executors, they are both solicitors.

Nightsky2

Our two sons are our executors, they are both solicitors.

Great as long as they agree on everything, if they don’t another solicitor will have to referee.

Not really a serious comment

It is always an option for an executor to just use a solicitor for specific tasks, rather than have executive powers.
My local solicitor gave me a free half hour of advice, which was invaluable, then I did Probate myself, though I did use him to do a new will for me and also the legal work regarding the property.
There is so much guidance online, on gov.uk, and excellent threads on MoneySavingExpert.

DonaldS1

Ok, something I just learned. This is a UK based site! Solicitor is not a term used in the US. And I have neither a lawyer (US term) or accountant that I trust.

It sounds like the consensus is, "Use family anyway".

The other issue I have is, that almost all the family is my age or older. So assuming I hang in there, 10 years from now I'll have the same issue.

I really do appreciate the feedback and advice, it's very helpful in my thinking process about this.

And for that reason (in the UK at least), if you decide to go down the solicitor route, choose a young(ish) solicitor.

My parents have outlived the solicitor they chose as executor/trustee.

I would avoid solicitors. I have been executor for both my Mum and Sister and providing you make sure the executor has a list of everything you own and bank accounts it is not a huge job.

What I learned from Dad is to leave a complete list of pensions, bank accounts, investments and details of your property. That made my life so much easier as his executor.
He also left me a list of people to notify, a map to his favourite bench for some of his ashes, his favourite music and a lovely autobiography. I was able to plan a lovely funeral from all the information.
I have now made a folder up with similar info for me and DH for my children.

Solicitors will perform this role (and charge it to your estate).
When our children wre very small, the lawyer who drew up our wills was named as Executor. Now the children are adults, they are the executors.

Some banks also perform this service; they have a whole department that just manages wills and estates, very efficient.

Siolicotors and banks both charge for the service (taken from your estate )