Executor checklist for the first month
If you have been named as an executor, you may feel a mix of grief and worry about what is expected. The good news is that most tasks do not have to happen straight away. This checklist sets out what executors commonly deal with in the first month. Work through it at a pace that feels right for you.
Before you begin
Being named in a Will does not force you to act. GOV.UK explains that executors can give up the role permanently by renouncing, using form PA15. If there are several executors, one can step back and keep the right to act later. If you are unsure, it is fine to take a little time to decide, but try not to deal with the estate until you have made up your mind.
Week one: the essentials
- Register the death. This is usually done by a relative. In England and Wales it normally needs to happen within five days of the medical examiner’s confirmation. GOV.UK has a guide to what to do after a death.
- Find the original Will. Keep it safe and do not mark, staple or unstaple it.
- Check funeral wishes. The Will may say what the person wanted.
- Get copies of the death certificate. Several organisations may ask for one.
- Use Tell Us Once if offered. This tells many government departments at the same time.
Weeks one to two: protect the estate
- Secure the home. Lock it, check it regularly and tell the home insurer about the death.
- Look after valuables. Keep jewellery, cash and important items safe.
- Think about vehicles. Check whether a car is insured and safe to leave.
- Redirect post. This helps you find accounts, bills and pensions you did not know about.
- Cancel regular services that are no longer needed, such as subscriptions.
Weeks two to four: gather information
Start building a list of what the person owned and owed. Write to or call:
- banks and building societies
- pension providers
- insurance companies
- investment and share providers
- the mortgage lender, landlord or local council
- utility, phone and credit card companies
Ask each one for the balance or amount owed at the date of death, and what they need from you. Keep a log of every call and letter, with dates.
A simple record system
Many executors use one folder and one spreadsheet. List each asset and debt, its value at the date of death, and what has happened to it. This makes later steps, and reporting to beneficiaries, much easier.
Work out whether probate may be needed
Not every estate needs probate. It often depends on how much is held and how. Each bank and organisation has its own limit for releasing money without a grant. Property in the person’s sole name usually needs one. GOV.UK’s guide to applying for probate explains when it is needed.
Start thinking about Inheritance Tax
Part of the probate process is working out whether Inheritance Tax is due. GOV.UK’s guide to valuing an estate explains how. It also says that if tax is due, it must be paid by the end of the sixth month after the death to avoid interest. If the estate owes Inheritance Tax, its value must be reported within one year. You do not need to finish this in the first month, but it helps to know the timetable.
Things to avoid in the first month
- Do not share out money or possessions yet. Debts and any tax must come first.
- Do not use estate money for your own costs without keeping clear records.
- Do not sell the house or major items before you have authority, if probate is needed.
- Do not throw away paperwork. Old statements can reveal accounts you did not know about.
Keeping beneficiaries informed
People named in the Will may want to know what is happening. A short, kind update can help a lot. You do not have to give every detail, but letting people know the likely timescale can reduce worry and avoid misunderstandings.
When to ask for help
Some estates are simple. Others involve property, tax, overseas assets, a business, or family disagreements. You can choose to do the work yourself, ask a professional to apply for the grant only, or have a professional handle the whole estate. Preparing papers for a grant of probate for a fee is a reserved legal activity, so if you pay someone, check that they are authorised. Solicitors can be found on the SRA register.
Look after yourself
Executors are often grieving too. If you feel overwhelmed, take breaks, share tasks with co-executors and ask for support. There is no prize for doing it all alone.
Where to go from here
Read our help article on an executor’s responsibilities and our guide to whether an estate needs probate. If you are weighing up support, we explain grant-only and full administration services.
If you would like to speak to someone, you can tell us about the estate in a few short questions. WillHarbour is a free introduction service, not a law firm. With your permission we share your enquiry with up to three suitable firms, which will tell you about their fees and referral arrangements before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to act as an executor if I am named in a Will?
No. GOV.UK explains that you can give up the role permanently by renouncing, using form PA15. If there are other executors, you can also step back for now and keep the right to act later.
When should an executor apply for probate?
There is no need to rush. Most executors gather information about the estate first. If Inheritance Tax is due, GOV.UK says it must be paid by the end of the sixth month after the death to avoid interest.
Can I pay estate bills from my own money?
Some executors do and then claim the money back from the estate. Keep receipts and clear records of everything you pay.
This article is general information about the law in England and Wales and isn’t legal, tax or financial advice. Rules can change, so check official guidance or speak to a qualified professional about your situation.
