Administer an Estate
Step-by-Step Guide for Executors
If you've been appointed as the executor of a will or administrator of an estate, you are legally responsible for managing the deceased's affairs after their death.
Administering an estate involves more than simply distributing inheritance. You'll need to identify assets, settle debts, apply for Probate where necessary and ensure the estate is administered correctly.
This guide explains the key steps involved in administering an estate in England and Wales.
Step 1 – Register the Death
Before you can begin administering the estate, the death must be registered.
You’ll normally need several certified copies of the death certificate, as banks, insurers and other organisations often request them.
Step 2 – Locate the Will
Find the original signed will.
Check:
- Who the executors are.
- Who the beneficiaries are.
- Whether specific gifts have been left.
- Whether there are funeral wishes.
If no valid will exists, the estate will usually be administered under the rules of intestacy.
Step 3 – Protect the Estate
Secure all assets, including:
- Property
- Vehicles
- Jewellery
- Financial documents
- Digital records
If the property will be empty, check that insurance remains valid.
Step 4 – Notify Relevant Organisations
Contact organisations such as:
- Banks
- Building societies
- Pension providers
- Utility companies
- Mortgage lenders
- Insurance companies
- HMRC
- Department for Work and Pensions
Some organisations participate in the government’s Tell Us Once service, where available.
Step 5 – Value the Estate
Prepare a schedule of:
Assets
- Property
- Savings
- Investments
- Shares
- Vehicles
- Personal possessions
Liabilities
- Mortgages
- Loans
- Credit cards
- Utility bills
- Taxes
Accurate valuations are essential before applying for Probate.
Step 6 – Apply for Probate
Where Probate is required, submit the application together with any required inheritance tax forms.
Once the Grant of Probate has been issued, you can generally begin collecting and transferring assets.
Step 7 – Collect Assets
This may involve:
- Closing bank accounts
- Selling investments
- Claiming life insurance
- Recovering debts owed to the estate
- Selling or transferring property
Keep accurate records throughout.
Step 8 – Pay Debts and Taxes
Before inheritance is distributed, ensure all legitimate liabilities have been settled.
These may include:
- Funeral costs
- Credit cards
- Loans
- Utility bills
- Income Tax
- Inheritance Tax
Step 9 – Prepare Estate Accounts
Estate accounts should show:
- Assets collected
- Expenses
- Taxes
- Payments made
- Final distributions
These records provide transparency for beneficiaries.
Step 10 – Distribute the Estate
Only after all debts and taxes have been paid should the remaining estate be distributed according to the will or the rules of intestacy.
Keep receipts confirming distributions where appropriate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Distributing inheritance too early.
- Failing to identify all debts.
- Not keeping financial records.
- Ignoring inheritance tax obligations.
- Failing to obtain professional advice where necessary.
Taking time to follow the correct process can help avoid costly mistakes.
When Should You Get Professional Help?
Many executors seek legal advice if:
- There are multiple beneficiaries.
- The estate includes property.
- Tax is payable.
- There are family disagreements.
- Business assets are involved.
- The estate is particularly valuable.
Professional guidance can reduce stress and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Compare Estate Administration Solicitors Near You
Whether you need advice with a single stage of the process or complete estate administration, Find a Funeral helps you compare experienced solicitors across the UK who can provide expert legal support.
Yes. Many executors do, although professional advice is often recommended for more complex estates.
The timescale depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether Probate is required and whether property or tax issues arise.
Yes. Where multiple executors have been appointed, they generally share responsibility for administering the estate.
Related Resources
- Administer an estate
- Estate administration
- Executor guide
- Probate process
- Estate administration solicitor
- Distribute an estate
- Executor duties
- Grant of probate
- Estate accounts
- Probate solicitor