How do you ask someone to be your executor?
Start by explaining why you trust them and what the role involves. Give them a chance to think about time, administration and working with other executors. A useful opening is: “I am preparing my will and would like to ask whether you would consider being an executor. There is no need to answer today. Could we talk about what it might involve?”
An executor deals with the estate after death, including identifying assets and debts and distributing what remains. They may need probate and professional help. Ask first, check their details and discuss how they would find the original. Our executor guide explains the role in more detail.
A conversation before a decision
Executor conversation worksheet
You can ask someone to think about the role before naming them. These optional notes help you prepare and listen; they do not appoint an executor or record formal consent.
Explain that an executor handles the estate after death. Give the person time to decide and ask questions.
Discuss time, location, other commitments and when professional help might be needed.
Discuss other proposed executors, how they would work together and what happens if someone cannot act.
Explain how to find the signed original, contact details and a separate asset record. Do not record passwords here.
Record questions, contact details to confirm, and any decisions to discuss with the will writer.
These notes stay in this page and are not saved by SwiftWill. Use Clear notes when you finish, especially on a shared device. A downloaded text file is not encrypted: store it privately and never include passwords or bank security details.
Keep your plans current
Life-event will review checklist
Select changes you want to discuss or check. The checklist organises your next steps; it cannot read your will or decide whether it needs replacing.
Selecting nothing is not a clean bill of health for your will. For a planned marriage, a likely dispute, or uncertainty about someone who depends on you, seek advice promptly.
Add a private calendar event. Review sooner after marriage, a birth, separation or other major changes. This does not subscribe you to emails.
What could a new home change in your plan?
Alex has moved and still wants the same friend to act as executor. Alex uses the worksheet to confirm the friend's willingness and records where the original can be found. Alex also reviews whether the existing will mentions the old property as a specific gift. Updating this worksheet alone would not change that gift or any address in the will.
What should you review after a family change?
Sam has a new child and wants to revisit guardianship and inheritance wishes. Selecting the birth or adoption event produces a preparation prompt. Sam still needs to consider parental responsibility, speak to proposed guardians and arrange appropriate wording. If family arrangements or a dependant's needs are complex, a professional should help.
What should happen after your review?
If changes are necessary, follow a proper process for updating or replacing your will. Once a replacement is properly completed, update the practical information in your executor handover. Check pension and life-insurance nominations separately: your will does not necessarily control them.
Where can you check the sources and prepare further?
GOV.UK: what to put in a will and when to get advice; GOV.UK: reviewing and changing a will; GOV.UK: responsibilities after a death. These worksheets explain preparation, not the legal effect of a particular document.
Still choosing a route? Try the free will planner, compare free and donation-supported schemes, or inspect a clearly marked example document.