Choosing an executor for your estate is a major decision. An executor takes on many responsibilities, including identifying and distributing your assets to the appropriate beneficiaries.
Your executor should be someone you trust to handle these responsibilities and trust on a personal level. An executor is selected when you draft your will.
Reasons you may want a new executor
However, as life circumstances change, you may find the need to appoint a new executor. Perhaps you selected your spouse and you are now getting divorced, or maybe you selected a sibling that you are now estranged from.
There are numerous reasons why you may need to change the executor of your will. You can generally change an executor without needing to provide a specific reason.
Even if your feelings about your original executor have not changed, you can choose a new executor if you wish.
Drafting a codicil
There are two common ways to change an executor. One is to add a codicil to your existing will and another is to have a new will drafted altogether. Before taking either of these actions, you must select a new executor.
A codicil is a written amendment to your existing will. A codicil can be used to modify any terms of your existing will, including naming a new executor.
As with your will, your codicil must be properly drafted and comply with legal requirements. This means putting the exact changes in writing and signing it in the presence of two witnesses and a notary.
A codicil is typically attached to your will. You should keep a copy of your will and codicil together in a safe place.
Drafting a new will
You can also choose to have a new will drafted. This is often a good idea when you need to change more terms than the executor.
Redoing a will involves the same steps as when you drafted your original will. Along with going through the steps again, you will need to destroy all copies of your original will. This prevents confusion and challenges to your will after you pass away.