You should choose a professional executor if you don’t know anyone who would be willing and able to act as your executor.
The task of being an executor is often complex and time consuming. That is why you should think carefully about who should be your executor.
The task of the executor encompasses valuing the estate, taking care of the tax situation, applying for Probate, selling houses and property, and ensuring all gifts in the will are given to the beneficiaries.
Not only is this complex but the executor can also have personal liability as a trustee. This means that if they get something wrong they can be sued.
For these reasons people often choose a professional executor either on their own or alongside a lay executor.