How to choose which assets go to whom?

[dominoman]

As an executor of my late father's will we need to decide how to split the assets. There is a mix of property, listed shares and unlisted shares in small start-ups.

Do we need to consult with all beneficiaries on what they want? Or can I assign the assets according to the best fit for each person? For example, one beneficiary, my father's girlfriend, is in her 80s so I think cash is more appropriate than unlisted shares because those are near impossible to sell and only suitable for "sophisticated" investors.

I'm basically asking, is there a requirement on me as an executor to consider whether the asset is appropriate to that beneficiary? And what happens if that is in conflict with what that person says they want?

[maths]

The start point is for each beneficiary to receive their inheritance as provided in the will.

Subject to this the executors are able to discuss with the beneficiaries a distribution acceptable to them.

If girlfriend's father under the will is entitled to 100 shares in XYZ as a specific gift worth say £200 then he should receive the 100 shares.However, if he would agree to receive £200 cash instead then this is acceptable.