Executor checklist
Work through it in order: register the death, locate the will, secure the assets, value the estate, report inheritance tax, apply for the grant of probate, collect in the assets, pay debts and expenses, prepare estate accounts, and distribute to beneficiaries. Keep records at every step — you may have to account for them later.
Your executor checklist, in order
- Register the death and get certified copies of the certificate.
- Locate the original will and confirm you are the named executor.
- Secure assets — insure empty property, notify banks, redirect post.
- Value the estate at the date of death — assets and debts.
- Report inheritance tax to HMRC; pay any tax due before applying.
- Apply for the grant of probate (£300; £16 per copy).
- Collect in assets — close accounts, sell or transfer property.
- Pay debts, the funeral, and final income tax.
- Place statutory creditor notices to protect yourself.
- Prepare estate accounts and, after the six-month claim window, distribute.
Tackle the valuation thoroughly — it drives both the tax position and the probate application, and errors here cause the most delay.
An executor pays out the full estate four months after the grant, then a creditor appears. Because they hadn't placed creditor notices or waited out the claim window, they face the shortfall personally. Following the checklist's protective steps (notices, waiting period) would have prevented it.
- Complete the questionnaireA few guided questions about you, your family and your wishes.
- Human reviewYour answers are checked by the ClearLegacy editorial team for completeness.
- Receive your documentsYour will and supporting paperwork are produced, ready to print.
- Sign correctlyClear instructions on signing and witnessing so the will is legally valid.
- Protect your familyYour wishes are recorded and your loved ones are spared the intestacy default.
Sources
- Senior Courts Act 1981, section 114 (personal representatives) — legislation.gov.uk
- GOV.UK — Applying for probate
- Trustee Act 1925 & Trustee Act 2000 (duties and powers) — legislation.gov.uk
- Citizens Advice — Dealing with the estate of someone who has died
- Reviewed by
- ClearLegacy editorial team
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Next review
- December 2026
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
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