New insight from Canada Life1 reveals the most common issues encountered by executors of a will. An executor is an individual who is named in a will to take care of a person’s estate and affairs when they die.
Nearly one in five (19%) people have been an executor of a will before. These individuals were asked what issues they encountered when fulfilling their duties.
Top ten issues encountered by executors of wills
- More than a quarter (28%) encountered issues finding policy documents such as for pensions and insurance
- More than a quarter (27%) had issues getting information from companies such as debts owed, assets to gather, or final bills
- More than a quarter (26%) said that it took an emotional toll on them
- A fifth (20%) experienced a lengthy probate time
- Over one in six (16%) found information about the deceased that wasn’t previously known
- One in six (15%) experienced communication difficulties between the parties involved
- Almost one in six (14%) were lacking in awareness of current and upcoming changes in legislation that may have affected the amount of tax payable
- Almost one in six (14%) experienced issues to do with having the right details for relevant beneficiaries
- More than one in 10 (11%) had to seek missing information from family members
- One in 12 (8%) had issues because of a lack of access to digital passwords
Liz Hardie, Technical Specialist – Tax, Trusts and Estate Planning, Canada Life said:
“It can be a very difficult time having to deal with the loss of a loved one, whilst also taking care of their estate and affairs. Being an executor of a will is a big responsibility that many agree to, without realising the full scope of what is required of them.
“Even if the deceased person has been well prepared and provided with important information in life, it is extremely common for executors to run into practical difficulties such as locating policy documents, having to speak with multiple companies on multiple occasions, and struggling to access digital accounts. Of course, this can take a huge emotional toll on the executor as well.
“It’s good to remember that you can name a solicitor to be your executor if you are concerned about asking a loved one. Furthermore, there are companies that exist to help when it comes to executing the will, so executors don’t necessarily have to shoulder all the responsibilities themselves.
“If a testator – or the person who has made the will – does wish to name a loved one as executor, it’s important for both parties to have a conversation to understand the testator’s wishes and to give the executor the opportunity to ask important questions. Whilst it may be uncomfortable, openness and transparency regarding information about the estate could save significant time, money and grief. It also goes without saying, but having a will in place, and ensuring it is kept up to date, is essential.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
- Research conducted by Opinium, March 2025. Sample survey - 2000 UK Adults.
Enquiries:
Press enquiries should be directed to:
Elle McAtamney, Canada Life, +44 7913 568213, elle.mcatamney@canadalife.co.uk
About Canada Life:
Canada Life is part of a group of companies controlled by Great-West Lifeco Inc., a Canadian headquartered, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management and reinsurance businesses. Through its subsidiary companies, Great-West Lifeco operates in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GWO and is a member of the Power Corporation group of companies.
Canada Life Limited began operations in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1903 and provides UK individuals and businesses with a range of retirement, investment, insurance and wealth solutions. Canada Life offers individual annuities, pension de-risking solutions, home finance, estate planning and investment options, and workplace protection products.
Canada Life Limited (no.973271) is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Stonehaven UK Limited (no.05487702), trading as Canada Life, is registered in England and Wales and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Canada Life International Limited (no.033178C) and CLI Institutional Limited (no.108017C) are Isle of Man registered companies authorised and regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. Canada Life International Assurance (Ireland) DAC (no. 440141) and Canada Life International Assurance (Ireland) DAC are authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Canada Life Asset Management is the brand for investment management activities undertaken by Canada Life Asset Management Limited (no.3846821), Canada Life Limited and Canada Life European Real Estate Limited (no.03846823). Canada Life Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Please note that while Canada Life Limited and Canada Life Asset Management Limited are regulated as stated above, property management and the provision of commercial mortgages are not regulated activities.
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