What does an executor actually do? A step-by-step guide.
Being named as an executor is an honour, and a real job. Here’s what it involves, how long it takes, and how to make it easier for the person who’ll do it for you.
WFWritten by the WillFull teamGeneral information, not adviceUpdated 13 October 20269 min readEngland & Wales
The short version●An executor collects everything the person owned, pays their debts and any tax, then shares out what’s left as the will says.●Most estates take 9 to 18 months to settle.●You can do it yourself, share it with a co-executor, or pay a professional to help.
When someone dies, their will usually names one or more executors. It’s the executor’s job to deal with the estate, meaning everything the person owned and owed. There’s no exam and no qualification needed, but it does take time, organisation and a fair amount of paperwork.
This guide walks through the role in the order things usually happen, so you know what to expect.
1. The first two weeks
Nothing needs to be rushed in the first few days. The priorities are practical ones.
1Register the death within five days at the local register office. You’ll get the death certificate. Order several copies, as banks and providers will each want one.
2Find the original will. Check at home, with their solicitor, or with the Probate Service’s storage.
3Use Tell Us Once. This free government service tells HMRC, the DWP, the DVLA and the passport office in one go.
4Secure the home. Check the insurance still covers an empty property, and redirect post.
2. Work out what the estate is worth
Next, you’ll need a full picture of everything the person owned and owed on the date they died. This is usually the slowest part, because it means writing to every bank, pension provider and insurer and waiting for replies.
WHAT TO LISTWHERE TO FIND IT
PropertyHM Land Registry title, mortgage statements
Bank & savingsStatements, cards, banking apps, NS&I letters
Business interestsCompanies House, accountant, shareholder records
DebtsCredit card, loan and utility bills
3. Inheritance Tax and probate
Once you know the value of the estate, you can work out whether any Inheritance Tax is due. Most estates don’t pay any, but you still need to report the figures to HMRC.
Then you apply for a grant of probate, the legal document that proves you can deal with the estate. You can apply online at GOV.UK. If tax is due, at least some of it usually has to be paid first.
4. Pay debts and share out the estate
With probate granted, you can close accounts, sell or transfer property and collect the money into an executor’s account. Pay any debts, bills and the costs of dealing with the estate first.
Then share out what’s left exactly as the will says. Keep clear records of every payment, and ask each beneficiary to sign a receipt.
MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOUR EXECUTOREverything they’ll need, in one place.Write your will free and record your property, accounts and pensions, so step 2 takes days instead of months.
Yes. If you haven’t started dealing with the estate, you can step aside by signing a form called a renunciation. Another executor named in the will, or a close relative, can then take over.
SourcesGOV.UK: Applying for probate · GOV.UK: Tell Us Once · HMRC: Inheritance Tax manual
WFAbout this guideWritten by the WillFull team. It’s general information for England and Wales, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change; check GOV.UK, or speak to a regulated adviser about your situation. Find one in our directory.