"Overseer of the Will"

[maxdog]

Hello all

Can someone please tell me what an 'overseer of a Will' is or does? Not the same as executor but have no clue what he or she may do.

Grateful for your replies.

Thanks

Pat W

[stanmapstone]

A person appointed by the testator to supervise or assist the executor(s) of a will.

Stan

[Redroger]

In earlier times a man, when a woman had been designated as executrix; legally she was not considered competent and required the services of a man to assist her. Feminists please note; this is a statement of fact from earlier times and certainly NOT my opinion.

[stanmapstone]

Some testators having named Executors of their wills, do also appoint some persons whom they have a more special trust and confidence in, to be Overseers of their Wills, that is, to see to the due performance    and execution of all the separate dispositions in their Wills.
The Civil Law in Its Natural Order: Together with the Publick Law  By Jean Domat (1625-1696)

In some old wills the term overseer is used instead of executor.

Stan

[Redroger]

Though i have never come across the term being applied to male executors.

[stanmapstone]

William Shakespeare's Will;
I gyve devise and bequeath to my Sonne in Lawe John Hall gent and my daughter Susanna his wief whom I ordaine and make executors of this my Last will and testament. And I doe intreat and Appoint the saied Thomas Russell Esquier and ffrauncis Collins gent to be overseers herof...... http://4umi.com/shakespeare/will

He bequeathed to Thomas Hawkins, his chaplain and executor, £6 13s. 4d. yearly for seven years, to pray for his soul, and to take a collect for him daily;...............and to Richard Higham of Royden, gentleman and overseer of his will, .......His executors were as named above, with the addition of Edward Stacye of Waltham, gentleman.
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=51750&strquery=overseer%20will


Stan

[maxdog]

Comprehensive! My thanks to all. Pat W

[Redroger]

Thanks for clarification Stan.