Wills & Family
Who should I choose as executor if I don’t trust my family?
Not everyone has a relative they would trust to handle their estate. Here is how to think about other options, from friends to professional executors.
If you are an executor or administrator, you can choose how much help you want. Some people do everything themselves. Others ask a professional to take on the whole process. Many choose something in between. There is no right answer, and it is fine to take your time deciding.
The two main stages
Dealing with an estate has two broad parts:
- Getting the grant. Valuing the estate, dealing with Inheritance Tax reporting and applying for probate or letters of administration.
- Administering the estate. Collecting money, selling assets, paying debts and taxes, preparing accounts and paying beneficiaries.
What is a grant-only service?
With a grant-only service, a professional helps with the first stage. You usually provide the information about the estate. They prepare the application, and sometimes the tax forms, and submit it for you.
Once the grant is issued, you take over. You contact the banks, sell any property, pay the bills and share out the estate.
It may suit you if:
- the estate is fairly simple, such as a home and a few bank accounts
- no Inheritance Tax is due
- you have the time and are comfortable with paperwork
- the family gets on well and agrees on what should happen
What is full estate administration?
With full administration, a professional handles most or all of the work. This can include:
- finding and valuing all assets and debts
- completing Inheritance Tax forms and dealing with HMRC
- applying for the grant
- closing accounts and arranging property sales
- placing notices for unknown creditors
- dealing with income tax for the period of administration
- preparing estate accounts and paying the beneficiaries
You remain the executor and stay legally responsible, but the day-to-day work is done for you.
It may suit you if:
- the estate includes a business, overseas assets, trusts or several properties
- Inheritance Tax is due or a full IHT400 return is needed
- there may be disagreements, or a claim against the estate
- you live far away, work long hours or simply do not feel able to cope with it now
Comparing the options
| Grant only | Full administration | |
|---|---|---|
| Who applies for the grant | The professional prepares it | The professional prepares it |
| Who deals with assets and debts | You | The professional |
| Your time involved | More | Less |
| Professional costs | Usually lower | Usually higher |
Professional costs are usually paid from the estate. Our guide to probate costs explains what to ask about.
A practical example
Nina is executor for her aunt, who left a flat and two bank accounts. No tax is due, and Nina has time to deal with the bank and estate agent herself. She chooses a grant-only service. Her friend Paul is executor for his father, who owned a farm and shares and left gifts in trust. Paul chooses full administration.
Your responsibilities either way
Whichever option you choose, executors and administrators are legally responsible for the estate. You can be personally liable if debts are not paid or money goes to the wrong people. Our guide on what an executor does covers these duties.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
This article covers England and Wales. In Scotland, the equivalent of probate is called "confirmation" and it works differently. Northern Ireland has its own probate office and rules. See the mygov.scot bereavement pages or nidirect's guide to applying for probate. At present we cannot reliably route enquiries from Scotland or Northern Ireland.
When to get professional help
It is worth talking to a professional before deciding if you are unsure how complex the estate is. Ask what is included, how they charge, and whether they are regulated and insured. Preparing a grant application is a reserved legal activity, so check the provider is authorised. You can also read about the documents you may need to gather.
Next steps
Whatever level of help you choose, you do not need to decide today.
You can read more on our Probate page, or answer a few short questions in our probate questionnaire and we will aim to introduce you to up to three appropriately qualified firms.
WillHarbour is an independent introduction service, not a law firm, and we do not give legal, tax or financial advice. With your permission, we share your enquiry with up to three suitable firms, such as solicitors or other firms that help with estates. It is free to use and there is no obligation. The firms pay us a fee for each introduction, and they must tell you about this, and their own fees, before you instruct them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from grant-only to full administration later?
Often, yes. Many professionals will take on more of the work later if you find it is too much. Ask about this at the start.
Who pays for professional help with probate?
Professional costs are usually paid from the estate, not by the executor personally. Ask for a clear estimate before you instruct anyone.
Am I still responsible if a solicitor does the work?
Yes. Executors and administrators remain legally responsible, but a professional can carry out most of the tasks for them.
Official sources
This guide is general information about the law in England and Wales at the time it was last reviewed. It isn’t legal, tax or financial advice. For advice on your own situation, speak to a qualified professional.
