Probate and executors?

[frogswimming]

AIBU to think i and my siblings can act as executors of our df will? Don't need just one sibling to be the main one....even if one lives abroad? Would you be suspicious if one says the other needs to sign something, to make them the main executor?

Who are the named executors in the will?

All the siblings. Df has now passed away.

Your df can appoint whoever he wants as executor, including a solicitor if anyone feels there may be problems ahead. The executor doesn't sign anything unless they are already appointed but wish to give up that role.

All of you or any number from 1 upwards can be executors if some don't wish to act.

If you don't wish to act, you can sign a renunciation to confirm only the non-renounced executors can act.

If one is trying to push the others into renouncing their executor rights when they don't want to, then yes, I would consider that a bit suspicious, as there's no need for it.

It's sometimes easier for one or just a couple of executors who live at least in the same country as the deceased to act, but since it's mostly an administrative job anyway, and these days largely conducted online, there's no great barrier to acting from anywhere, except in regard to getting death certificates to all the organisations that need to see it.

I was executor for my mother's will, along with my brother, who lives on the other side of the world. Because so many signatures were needed, wet ink, not digital, in many cases, he 'reserved' his powers, which means that only I am needed to sell the family home. This has speeded up other areas such as applying for funds to be paid to us or sending forms into HMRC as I can just be the sole signatory. He has only reserved his powers so can opt back in again if and when he wishes.