Executor and beneficiary

[Missingyoupapum]

I have been named as the executor of the estate of someone I would not expect to be and think I am unlikely to be named as a beneficiary.

Morals/ethics aside - am I able to find out if I am a beneficiary of said estate before saying I will act as the executor? Also if I were to act as executor and incurred costs (I would) would i be liable for these?
If anyone knows it would be really helpful thanks

The costs you have receipts for can be charged to the estate.

My understanding is that if you are an executor any expenses are deducted from the deceased's estate.
Don't underestimate that there is quite a lot of work involved in being an executor and it shouldn't be dependent on whether you are or are not a beneficiary of the Will ... you really don't have to agree to it.

Thank you. I know it’s going to be tons of work as will involve properties and their family members in three countries. I am so shocked to be appointed.
If I’ve been left something I am more inclined to do it, but I don’t really want to be in a position where I’m distributing lots to others but receive nothing myself after doing so much work. I wouldn’t expect to be left something from this person.

You don't have to agree to be an executor, I would just politely refuse. People can appoint a solicitor to do this role.

My DH agreed years ago to be an executor for a relative, he had completely forgotten so it was quite a shock when the relative died and he had to get involved- as it happened he was left a proportion of the inheritance but it was still a lot of work and very difficult especially if you don't live nearby - if there are a number of properties invoking is likely to be complicated.

An appointed executor can delegate the work involved in handling the administration of the estate to a solicitor. It's what most people do unless the estate is very simple and they feel confident in doing it themselves. The solicitor's fees can be claimed against the estate.

What pond says. The executor makes the arrangements, doesn't need to do the work. It's a way of avoiding issues with the main heirs if they don't get on.

Thank you for the information. Relief that I should be able to delegate the role to a solicitor

Or you could renounce as executor so you won't have any responsibility at all.

Will a solicitor do everything though? We had a solicitor when a relative died but we still had to search through the house for the birth certificate*, look for hidden savings books, sort out a new home for the dog, do some sorting out of possessions (eventually got a house clearance firm in), engage the estate agent etc - would a solicitor do all those tasks?

*Its a really good idea to try and get your paperwork in order as soon as you can ... don't leave it too late - I've gone through with my own parents where the paperwork is.

I’ve been asked to act as executor for a friend’s parent (still alive). It will be a large estate so I will definitely use a solicitor to do the dirty work but when the time comes, I won’t renounce but will supervise because I’ve been named to protect my friend’s interests and can do that, but it’s a serious hassle for a complex estate

If you don't want to be an executor then say so. It's not compulsory and should be discussed with the person making the will beforehand and getting your consent. It is a lot of work but all expenses come from the estate.