1
Q
A client with a small estate wants to leave everything to one adult relative but cannot decide who to appoint as executor. The drafting solicitor suggests that she act as executor, citing the importance of having a responsible person. Is this good advice?
A
No. For a small and straightforward estate, appointing a professional executor would likely be unnecessarily expensive.
It is not essential to appoint a solicitor as executor. The client can appoint a trusted layperson, and professional advice can be sought if complications arise. Solicitors must act in the client’s best interests and avoid exploiting the client’s lack of knowledge (SRA Principle 7).
