Probate checklist for executors
Administering an estate follows a clear sequence: register the death, locate the will and confirm the executors, value the estate, report and pay any inheritance tax, apply for the grant of probate, then collect assets, settle debts, and distribute to beneficiaries. Keep records at every step — executors must account for what they do.
The probate checklist, in order
Use this as a working checklist. The order matters: several steps depend on the one before.
- Register the death and obtain several certified copies of the death certificate.
- Find the will and identify the named executors. No will? The estate passes under the intestacy rules and an administrator applies instead.
- Secure the assets — notify banks, insure empty property, redirect post.
- Value the estate — obtain date-of-death valuations for property, accounts, investments, pensions and possessions, and total the debts.
- Report inheritance tax to HMRC and pay any tax due (or the first instalment) before applying for the grant.
- Apply for the grant of probate — the £300 court fee, plus £16 per extra copy.
- Collect in the assets — close accounts, sell or transfer property and investments.
- Pay debts and expenses, including any final income tax.
- Prepare estate accounts showing money in, money out, and the balance for each beneficiary.
- Distribute the estate — ideally after the six-month claim window has passed.
An executor distributes the whole estate to beneficiaries three months after the grant, then a creditor — or a disappointed relative bringing an Inheritance Act claim — comes forward. Because executors can be personally liable, waiting until the six-month window closes (and placing statutory creditor notices) protects them before paying out.
- Complete the questionnaireA few guided questions about you, your family and your wishes.
- Structured reviewYour answers are checked automatically for completeness and consistency before your will is produced.
- 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
- GOV.UK — Applying for probate (application fee £300; estates over £5,000)
- GOV.UK — Probate fees and additional copies (£16 per copy)
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service — probate timeliness statistics, 2025
- GOV.UK — Valuing the estate of someone who's died
- Reviewed by
- ClearLegacy editorial team
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Next review
- December 2026
- Jurisdiction
- England & Wales
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps to administer an estate?
Register the death, find the will and confirm the executors, value the estate, deal with inheritance tax, apply for the grant, collect assets, pay debts, then distribute to beneficiaries.
When can an executor distribute the estate?
Ideally after the six-month Inheritance Act claim window has passed and creditor notices have been placed, to limit personal liability.
Do executors need to keep accounts?
Yes. Beneficiaries are entitled to see estate accounts, so keep records of every valuation, payment and decision.
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