Executor Checklist
Step-by-Step Executor Checklist for Administering an Estate
Acting as an executor can feel overwhelming, particularly if you have never administered an estate before. There are legal, financial and practical responsibilities that must be completed in the correct order.
This executor checklist provides a step-by-step guide to help you understand what typically needs to be done when administering an estate in England and Wales.
While every estate is different, this checklist covers the key stages most executors will encounter.
Immediately After the Death
The first few days are often focused on practical arrangements.
Obtain the Medical Certificate
This is normally required before the death can be registered.
Register the Death
The death should usually be registered within the required legal timeframe.
You’ll receive certified copies of the death certificate, which you’ll need throughout estate administration.
Arrange the Funeral
Check whether the deceased left:
- Funeral wishes
- A prepaid funeral plan
- Funeral insurance
- Burial or cremation preferences
Remember that funeral wishes in a will may not be seen before arrangements begin, so the deceased may also have shared them separately with family members.
Locate Important Documents
Try to find:
- The original signed will
- Death certificate
- Property deeds
- Insurance documents
- Pension paperwork
- Bank statements
- Investment records
- Mortgage information
- Tax records
Having everything together will make administration much easier.
Secure the Estate
Protect the deceased’s assets.
This may include:
- Locking the property
- Checking insurance
- Securing valuables
- Redirecting post
- Informing utility companies
- Caring for pets if necessary
If the property will remain empty, check whether the insurer has conditions relating to unoccupied homes.
Notify Organisations
You may need to contact:
- Banks
- Building societies
- Pension providers
- HMRC
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Utility companies
- Insurance companies
- Credit card providers
- Mortgage lender
- Employer (if applicable)
Many organisations will request an original or certified copy of the death certificate.
Value the Estate
Prepare a complete list of:
Assets
- Property
- Savings
- Investments
- ISAs
- Premium Bonds
- Vehicles
- Jewellery
- Business interests
- Personal possessions
Liabilities
- Mortgage
- Loans
- Credit cards
- Utility bills
- Tax
- Funeral costs
Accurate valuations are essential when administering an estate.
Decide Whether Probate Is Required
Not every estate needs Probate.
Factors include:
- Property ownership
- Asset values
- Bank requirements
- Investments held
If Probate is required, the executor normally submits the application.
Apply for Probate
Where necessary:
- Complete the Probate application.
- Submit required inheritance tax information.
- Pay any applicable fees.
- Wait for the Grant of Probate.
Once Probate has been granted, you’ll normally have authority to deal with estate assets.
Collect Estate Assets
You may then begin:
- Closing bank accounts
- Selling investments
- Selling or transferring property
- Recovering money owed to the estate
- Collecting life insurance proceeds where appropriate
Pay Debts
Before distributing inheritance, settle:
- Funeral expenses
- Outstanding loans
- Credit cards
- Utility bills
- Tax
- Other legitimate liabilities
Paying beneficiaries too early can create difficulties if unexpected debts later arise.
Prepare Estate Accounts
Maintain records showing:
- Assets received
- Money paid out
- Expenses
- Tax
- Distribution to beneficiaries
These records help demonstrate that the estate has been administered correctly.
Distribute the Estate
Once all debts, taxes and administration are complete:
- Transfer inheritance.
- Obtain receipts where appropriate.
- Retain copies of all paperwork.
Only distribute assets according to the will (or the intestacy rules if there is no valid will).
Keep Records
After administration is complete, retain:
- Estate accounts
- Probate paperwork
- Receipts
- Tax records
- Correspondence
Beneficiaries may have questions after the estate has been finalised.
Common Mistakes
Avoid:
- Rushing to distribute assets
- Forgetting creditors
- Poor record keeping
- Ignoring tax obligations
- Failing to insure vacant property
- Not obtaining professional advice when needed
This checklist covers the main stages, although larger or more complex estates may require additional work.
Simple estates may be completed within several months, while more complex estates can take significantly longer.
Many executors choose professional assistance where property, tax or disputes make the estate more complicated.