I'm an executor and need help
In short
As an executor you are responsible for administering the estate: registering the death, valuing assets and debts, applying for probate, paying any inheritance tax and debts, then distributing to the beneficiaries. You can do it yourself or instruct a professional, but you have legal duties and can be personally liable for mistakes, so keep careful records.
The situation
You have been named as an executor and need to understand what to do.
What happens legally
An executor's job follows a fairly set sequence:
- Register the death, locate the will, and secure the assets.
- Value the estate's assets and liabilities, and report to HMRC for inheritance tax.
- Apply for the grant of probate (the legal authority to act).
- Pay debts, funeral costs and any inheritance tax, then distribute the estate and keep accounts.
The risks
- Distributing before settling debts and tax can leave you personally liable.
- Errors in the probate application cause delays — around one in three are returned.
- Failing to keep proper accounts can expose you to beneficiary complaints.
Recommended actions
- Gather the will, death certificate, and a full list of assets and debts.
- Report the estate to HMRC and arrange any inheritance tax before applying for probate.
- Apply online for probate where possible, and respond promptly to queries.
- Consider instructing a probate professional for complex or high-value estates.
Sources
- Administration of Estates Act 1925 — legislation.gov.uk
- GOV.UK — Applying for probate; Pay your Inheritance Tax bill
- 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
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