an executor can unilaterally move the probate work to another solicitor and proceed as if they were a sole executor". The newly-engaged solicitor will then keep the excluded executor informed formally in writing and take their views into account.
Are you certain of this? Are you a solicitor?
BOTH executors are in effect, the deceased in all but name and have full legal rights over the estate. I can't see how one executor can, without good reason and without going through the courts, over-ride the position of the other executor. Surely both executors, who have
EQUAL legal standing, would have to agree?
On the other hand, what you say would fit in, to some extent, with what happened in my own case. In my case, any questions I asked, of the other executor - who had assumed total control over everything - were largely limited to "Yes" and "No" type answers.
I had intended resigning as executor, however my own solicitor suggested, rather than going through the courts or resigning, that I "reserve my position". This enabled me in effect to withdraw from the situation but that the other executor was still obliged to keep me informed. I received no further communication from the other executor following this.
In spite of all of this I fully believe that two executors is a good idea. As my own solicitor, whose counsel I value greatly, pointed out, if there is only one executor and he/she is unable to act, for whatever reason, the situation can get very complicated and that is certainly undesirable where minors are involved.