An executor is the person named in a will to carry out its instructions after the person dies. Their job is to collect in the estate's assets, pay any debts, taxes and expenses, and then distribute what remains to the beneficiaries according to the will. Executors have legal duties and can be held personally responsible for mistakes.

What does an executor do?

An executor registers the death, values the estate, applies for probate, settles debts and inheritance tax, collects and sells assets if needed, keeps accounts, and distributes the estate to the beneficiaries. They must act in the best interests of the estate and all beneficiaries.

Who can be an executor?

Anyone aged 18 or over with mental capacity can be an executor, including a beneficiary, a family member, a friend, or a professional such as a solicitor. Up to four executors can take the grant of probate at once. Choosing trustworthy, organised people who can work together is important.

What is an executor?

England & Wales · Executors

Quick answer

An executor is the person named in a will to carry out its instructions after death. Their job is to collect in the estate's assets, pay debts, taxes and expenses, and then distribute what remains to the beneficiaries as the will directs. Executors have real legal duties and can be held personally responsible for getting it wrong, so the role should not be taken lightly.

Detailed explanation

When you make a will, you appoint one or more executors to put it into effect. They are the people who step in after you die to administer your estate. An executor's typical responsibilities include:

registering the death and locating the will;
valuing the estate's assets and liabilities;
applying for the grant of probate (the legal authority to act);
paying debts, funeral costs, and any inheritance tax;
collecting in or selling assets, such as property and investments;
keeping clear accounts; and
distributing the estate to the beneficiaries named in the will.

Executors owe a fiduciary duty — they must act honestly, in the best interests of the estate and all the beneficiaries, and avoid conflicts of interest. If they make serious errors, such as paying out before settling tax, they can be personally liable.

Almost anyone aged 18 or over with mental capacity can be an executor: a spouse, an adult child, a friend, or a professional such as a solicitor. An executor can also be a beneficiary, which is very common. Up to four executors can take the grant of probate at once. Because the role can be demanding, it is wise to choose people who are trustworthy, organised, and able to cooperate — and to ask them first.

Example scenario

In her will, Susan appoints her husband and her adult son as executors. After Susan dies, they value her estate, apply for probate, pay her outstanding bills and a small inheritance-tax liability, sell her shares, and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries. Because there are two of them, they share the workload and provide a backup for each other.

Tip: If you are choosing executors for your own will, appoint at least two (or a substitute) so the estate is not stranded if one cannot act, and tell them where your will is kept.

Sources

Administration of Estates Act 1925 — legislation.gov.uk
GOV.UK — Applying for probate and Responsibilities of an executor
Citizens Advice — Dealing with the estate of someone who has died

Reviewed by: Michael Smith, Estate Planning Specialist
Last reviewed: June 2026
Next review: December 2026
Jurisdiction: England & Wales

Choosing your executors?

The free ClearLegacy Estate Risk Assessment helps you appoint the right people.

Check my estate risk

What is an executor?

Detailed explanation

Sources

Related questions

Choosing your executors?