I am in the process of selecting executors for my will. In the event after my passing, that neither executor is willing or able to carry out the duties, what happens? Do the duties of the executor then get passed on to the state trustees?
If no one is willing to step up, then that is generally the case. The standard procedure is to ask your executors if they're happy to be appointed before doing so. You can appoint a professional executor, but they're entitled to charge for the service.