O’Sullivan Estate Lawyers
By Aleida Prinzen
July 22nd, 2026
Choosing an executor is one of the most consequential decisions in estate planning.
An executor is a fiduciary required to act honestly, impartially, and in the best interests of the estate over their own. Where an executor’s personal obligations, financial interests, or relationships conflict with these duties, these conflicts of interest can lead to family disputes, high legal costs, and can jeopardize proper estate administration.
Accordingly, identifying what constitutes a conflict of interest can help in choosing your executors and where appropriate, provide for mechanisms to deal with any conflicts. With thoughtful planning, you can reduce the likelihood of conflicts and the need for possible court intervention, preserving both the estate value and family relationships.
