08/09/2026
An executor has an important responsibility to administer an estate properly and in accordance with the Will.
If concerns arise about how they are carrying out that role, it may be possible to apply to the court for their removal.
However, court action is not always necessary, and some disagreements can be resolved before matters reach that stage.
Concerns may arise where an executor is:
• Unreasonably delaying the Probate process
• Failing to make gifts or distributions set out in the Will
• Disposing of estate assets at significantly below their proper value
• Failing to maintain appropriate estate accounts
• Claiming unreasonable expenses from the estate
Removing an executor is a significant step, so you need to consider the circumstances and available evidence carefully.
In the last 12 -18 months, we have seen an increase in dissatisfied beneficiaries over concerns about executors failing to administer the estate. We have been successful in doing this under the Administration of Justice Act 1985.
Learn more from our Probate team, who can advise executors, beneficiaries, and families when concerns arise during estate administration and explain the options available: https://bit.ly/4r0REt8
