Some years ago I agreed to be named as an executor in a relative’s will. I now feel too old and live too far away to carry out this duty, should it arise. I intend to ask to have my name removed, but if the relative doesn’t agree, are there any other steps I can take, and would the will have to be entirely re-written?
Even if you’re still named as executor in the will when your relative dies you’re not obliged to take up the post. The only stipulation is that you must finish the task once you’ve started. It’s likely that your relative will want to nominate someone who’s more enthusiastic about the job in any case. Your relative could add a codicil to the will naming a new executor, but these days it’s just as easy to redraft the whole will.