How to Choose an Executor for Your Will: 5 Key Considerations

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when preparing your will is choosing your executor—the person responsible for carrying out your final wishes and administering your estate after your death.

Many people put less thought into this than they should, often defaulting to a spouse or eldest child. But the choice deserves careful consideration. Your executor will be responsible for tasks that can be time-consuming, emotionally demanding, and legally complex.

Here are five key factors to keep in mind when choosing an executor in Ontario:

1. Trustworthiness Comes First

Above all, your executor must be someone you trust implicitly. This person will be responsible for safeguarding and managing your assets, paying off your debts, filing your final tax returns, and distributing your estate according to your will.

Choose someone who is honest, reliable, and capable of making sound decisions—even under pressure. If you have concerns about family conflict or competing interests, it may be best to choose a more neutral party.

2. Organization and Attention to Detail

Estate administration involves a great deal of paperwork, deadlines, and coordination with professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and financial institutions. Your executor doesn’t need legal or financial expertise, but they should be comfortable with administrative responsibilities and willing to seek advice when needed.

Good communication and record-keeping skills are essential. A well-organized executor can keep the process running smoothly and reduce delays and errors.

3. Location Matters

Your executor can legally reside outside Ontario, but naming someone local is generally more practical. Many of the tasks involved in administering an estate—meeting with professionals, signing documents, attending to real property—are easier when the executor is nearby.

If your executor lives out of province, the court may require that they post an estate administration bond, unless the will explicitly waives this requirement. The cost of the bond can be significant, and obtaining one is not always straightforward.

4. Consider the Relationship and Family Dynamics

It’s common to name a spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend as executor—but relationships should be considered carefully. If there’s tension among family members or a history of disputes, appointing one child over another can lead to further conflict.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to name co-executors (e.g., two siblings), but this can complicate decision-making and create logistical delays. If you anticipate conflict or complexity, a neutral third party—such as a professional advisor or trust company—may be a better choice.

5. Appointing a Backup Is Essential

Life is unpredictable. Your first-choice executor may be unable or unwilling to act when the time comes. Always name an alternate executor in your will to ensure someone is available to step in if necessary. You may even consider naming a second alternate, especially if your first two choices are of similar age or in the same family.

If you don’t name a backup and your executor can’t act, your loved ones may need to apply to court for someone to be appointed—adding delay, expense, and uncertainty.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an executor is more than a formality—it’s one of the most important decisions in your estate plan. A capable, thoughtful executor can ease the burden on your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out smoothly and respectfully.

We work closely with clients across Ontario to prepare clear, practical estate plans tailored to their circumstances. If you're thinking about preparing a will or updating an old one, we’d be pleased to assist.

You can begin by completing one of our online intake forms:
Will Intake Form – Individual
Will Intake Form – Spouses