If you're trying to add a Successor Executor in your Will (also known as a Successor Personal Representative) and don't see the person you want in the dropdown menu, there are a few common reasons why this might happen.
Common Reasons You Can’t Add a Successor Executor
1. The Person Is Already Listed as the Primary Executor
Each person can only serve in one executor role at a time. If someone is already selected as the primary Executor, they cannot also be added as a Successor.
2. They Haven’t Been Added in Family and Contacts
To assign someone to any role in your estate plan, they must first be listed in your account.
To add them:
Go to the Family and Contacts section from the left-side menu
Click the + button
Enter their information
Once added, their name will appear in dropdown menus throughout the SmartGuide.
3. The Person Is Under Age 18
Executors must be at least 18 years old to serve. If the birthdate you entered shows they are underage, their name will be excluded from the dropdown list.
How to Fix It
Double-check that the person is not already assigned as the primary executor
Make sure they’ve been added in Family and Contacts
Confirm that their birthdate is correct and shows they are 18 or older
→ Related: Who Can Serve as an Executor?
→ Related: What Is the Role of an Executor?