Executor Duties Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Executors

1. Register the Death

Registering the death can be done by any close family member or hospital administrator, but it can also fall to the executor. It’s the executor’s duty to make sure it’s been done, so the death certificate and certificate for burial or cremation can be obtained, though this is often left to others where possible, since executors already have a lot on their plate.

You may need one or more of the following personal documents belonging to the deceased: birth certificate, Council Tax bill, driving licence, marriage or civil partnership certificate, NHS medical card, passport, and proof of address (such as a utility bill).

2. Get Copies of the Will

As executor, you’re the only person with access to the will before probate is granted. That means making copies for beneficiaries or interested parties falls to you, if you feel it’s appropriate. You’re able to, but not obliged to, make copies for anyone who asks. Once probate is granted, any interested party can request a copy via the probate registry without the executor’s involvement.

3. Arrange the Funeral

It’s the executor’s duty to ensure the funeral wishes set out in the will are carried out. This can be a significant undertaking, and it’s common for support from friends and family to be shared out among those close to the deceased.

Sometimes a funeral plan is already in place, and it’s simply a matter of paying the invoice from the deceased’s account. When nothing’s been arranged, the plans fall to the executors, and this can become more complex, especially if the will includes specific or unusual requests.

4. Take Responsibility for Property and Post

After taking possession of keys, it’s worth checking that the property is in an acceptable state. That can be as simple as visiting to confirm doors and windows are locked, or adding extra security given the property may sit unoccupied for an uncertain length of time.

If the property is going to be unoccupied for 30 days or more, check that the existing house insurance is still valid. Most policies will treat the property as unoccupied and stop providing cover once that threshold is reached. If that’s the case, you’ll need to take out a new short-term unoccupied house insurance policy.

The insurance provider must be notified of any change in occupancy, and taking out a new policy may be the best option. If the property is likely to be left unoccupied for an uncertain or short period, our guide to insuring a house after death covers the policies available and what to look for. For the full range of cover options and typical costs, see our main guide to unoccupied home insurance.

It’s important to reduce the risk of damage by draining or flushing the heating system and making the property secure. It’s also worth notifying the bereavement register, so mail addressed to the deceased stops being delivered to the property.

5. Value the Estate

The executor needs to present an accurate figure for the value of the deceased’s possessions, property and money. This can involve professional valuations for expensive items, and part-owned items can add complications.

Once you have figures, they can be submitted online via GOV.UK’s estate valuation service.

6. Sort Out Finances

Before progressing with most other duties, the deceased’s bank accounts and assets need to be put in order. Providing an original death certificate to the bank allows them to stop any direct debits leaving the account, and they can offer useful information from there.

Next, organise payment of any taxes owed by the deceased, an accountant can help if you’re unsure. It’s also worth arranging a statutory notice for creditors, which helps satisfy your duty to settle bills and debts before the estate is distributed. Note that after tax and bills are paid, the estate may turn out to be insolvent, in which case you’ll need professional help to arrange a petition for discharge.

7. Deal With Any Assets

All of the deceased’s assets need to be put in order by the executors. This includes stopping pension schemes and income payments, transferring full ownership of jointly owned property and accounts to the surviving owner, collecting any debts owed to the deceased, and contacting life insurance providers about making a claim.

8. Pay Any Inheritance Tax

Inheritance tax rules and thresholds are broadly straightforward, but there are exceptions worth checking against HMRC’s guidance. All tax owed must be paid before applying for a grant of probate.

9. Apply for Probate

Small estates worth less than £5,000 won’t require a grant of probate, but most others will. You can apply by post or online, and it’s worth requesting multiple copies to give to the various asset holders. Simply send the relevant forms and documents to the probate registry, as set out on GOV.UK.

10. Distribute the Estate

Once probate is granted, the estate can be divided up and distributed. Bequeathed gifts of personal property can sometimes be given out before the grant of probate, if you want to make a start early. Once all property, assets and possessions are free to distribute, draw up estate accounts to keep track of everything that moves.