Essential Qualities
Does your chosen person have Willingness to take on the role (have you actually asked them?)
Trustworthiness and integrity
Ability to be impartial between beneficiaries
Organisational skills to manage paperwork and deadlines
Availability — time to devote to the task when needed
Good health and likely to outlive you
Australian residency (overseas executors can create complications)
Practical Considerations
Are they comfortable dealing with banks, lawyers, and government agencies?
Can they manage financial matters competently?
Will they be able to make difficult decisions if disputes arise?
Are they geographically accessible to handle in-person tasks?
Do they get along with your main beneficiaries?
Are they likely to still be capable in 10, 20, 30 years?
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Potential Conflicts
Consider whether your choice might create problems Is your executor also a major beneficiary? (common, but can create tension)
If choosing one child, will siblings resent the choice?
Does your executor have any conflict with other beneficiaries?
Is your executor a business partner? (may have competing interests)
Does your executor have strong opinions about your wishes?
Your Executor Options
Spouse or partner — common choice, but consider backup if they die with you
Adult child — knows the family, but sibling dynamics may complicate
Trusted friend — impartial, but may not know family circumstances
Sibling — knows you well, but may have own interests
Professional (solicitor or trustee company) — impartial and experienced, but charges fees
Co-executors — shared responsibility, but must agree on decisions
If Considering Co-Executors
Can they work together cooperatively?
Do they live close enough to meet when needed?
Have you specified how they should resolve disagreements?
Are you creating more complexity than necessary?
Questions to Discuss With Your Chosen Executor
Are they willing to act? (never assume)
Do they understand the time commitment involved?
Where will you store your will and how will they access it?
Do they know your key contacts (solicitor, accountant, financial adviser)?
Do they understand your wishes, especially anything unusual?
Are there any family sensitivities they should know about?
Backup Planning
Have you named a substitute executor?
What happens if your executor dies before you?
What if they become incapacitated or unwilling to act?
Is your backup also willing to act if needed?
Things Your Executor Will Need to Know
Make sure they know or can find Where your will is stored
Your solicitor's contact details
Your accountant's contact details
Location of important documents (titles, insurance, super)
Your digital asset information and passwords
Details of any funeral prepayment or specific wishes
Safe or safety deposit box location and access
Red Flags — Reconsider If:
They're reluctant or hesitant when asked
They have a history of financial problems
They're already in conflict with beneficiaries
They live overseas permanently
They're significantly older than you or in poor health
They struggle with paperwork or official processes