How do I appoint an executor for my will?

2 witnesses

Required witnesses

18+

Minimum age

In writing

Will format

Signed

Executor appointment method

The Short Answer

You appoint an executor by naming them clearly in your will, which must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who also sign it in your presence — as required by the Wills Act 1837.

What the Law Says

The Wills Act 1837 sets the formal requirements for making a valid will in England and Wales — including how to appoint an executor.

An executor is not appointed separately from the will itself — they are named within the will document. To be legally effective, the will must meet strict formalities under section 9 of the Wills Act 1837.

The person making the will (the testator) must sign it in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time. Those witnesses must then sign the will in the testator’s presence.

There is no special wording required to appoint an executor — but the will must clearly identify the person(s) intended to act. You may also name alternate (residuary) executors in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.

Statutory Text
No will shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by the testator, or by some other person in his presence and by his direction; and the signature must be made or acknowledged by him in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time; and such witnesses must attest and subscribe the will in the presence of the testator.
— Wills Act 1837, s. 9 — Execution of wills

What to Do

Choose one or more trusted people aged 18 or over to act as executor(s).

Clearly name them in your will using full names and, ideally, their relationship to you (e.g., 'my brother, James Smith').

Sign the will in front of two independent witnesses (not beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries), who then sign in your presence.

Store the will safely and tell your executor where it is kept.

Review your choice every few years — especially after major life changes like marriage, divorce, or relocation.

Sources

statuteWills Act 1837, s. 9 — Execution of wills

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.