Can an executor be removed?

Yes, by court application where an executor will not act, cannot act, or is acting improperly. It is a contested application and needs a solicitor.

Process · 4 min read

Renouncing as an executor, or reserving power

Being named in a will does not oblige you to act — provided you have not already started. There are two ways to step back, and the difference matters.

Written and reviewed by Ramani Gill, Founder & CEO — Solicitor, TEP, BA, LLM. Last reviewed 2026-08-19.

Renouncing versus reserving power

Option	Effect	Reversible?
Renunciation	You give up the role entirely	Only with the court's permission
Power reserved	Another executor acts; you step back but stay named	Yes — you can apply for a grant later

When you can no longer renounce

Once you have 'intermeddled' — started dealing with the estate's assets — renunciation is no longer available as of right. Arranging the funeral or securing the property does not usually count; closing accounts, selling assets or paying beneficiaries does.

Doing this yourself?

Our guided service walks an executor through valuations, the HMCTS forms and the estate accounts for a one-off £349.

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The practical steps

Decide between renunciation and power reserved, in writing
Sign form PA15 to renounce probate, or PA16 to renounce administration with will annexed
Have the signature witnessed by an independent adult
Send the original with the application; the remaining executor proceeds without you

Power reserved is usually the right answer

If you simply do not want the day-to-day work but trust your co-executor, reserving power keeps your options open at no cost.

GOV.UK — Form PA15

Common questions

Can an executor be removed?: Yes, by court application where an executor will not act, cannot act, or is acting improperly. It is a contested application and needs a solicitor.

Not sure whether this estate is straightforward?

The free suitability checker asks about jurisdiction, disputes and complexity, and tells you in a few minutes whether a self-help route is sensible — or whether you should speak to a solicitor. No account needed.

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