Probate Checklist PDF
Free Executor Probate Checklist
Administering an estate involves dozens of important tasks. Missing a step can lead to delays, additional costs or unnecessary stress.
This probate checklist is designed to help executors and administrators stay organised throughout the probate process. Whether you're managing a simple estate or something more complex, working through each stage methodically can make the process much easier.
Use this page as an online checklist or print it as a PDF for reference.
Immediate Tasks After Death
- ☐ Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (where applicable)
- ☐ Register the death
- ☐ Order several certified copies of the death certificate
- ☐ Arrange the funeral
- ☐ Notify close family members
- ☐ Locate the original will
- ☐ Confirm who has been appointed as executor
- ☐ Secure the deceased’s home
- ☐ Inform the home insurer if the property will be unoccupied
- ☐ Redirect post if appropriate
Gather Important Documents
Collect as many of the following as possible:
- ☐ Original will
- ☐ Death certificate
- ☐ Property deeds
- ☐ Mortgage details
- ☐ Bank statements
- ☐ Savings account details
- ☐ Pension information
- ☐ Investment statements
- ☐ Insurance policies
- ☐ Vehicle documents
- ☐ Utility bills
- ☐ Credit card statements
- ☐ Loan agreements
- ☐ Tax records
- ☐ National Insurance number
- ☐ Passport and driving licence (if needed)
Identify Estate Assets
Create a full inventory of:
- ☐ Property
- ☐ Savings
- ☐ Current accounts
- ☐ Investments
- ☐ Shares
- ☐ Premium Bonds
- ☐ Business interests
- ☐ Vehicles
- ☐ Jewellery
- ☐ Artwork
- ☐ Collectables
- ☐ Digital assets
- ☐ Personal possessions
Identify Debts and Liabilities
Check for:
- ☐ Mortgage
- ☐ Loans
- ☐ Credit cards
- ☐ Utility bills
- ☐ Council Tax
- ☐ Care home fees
- ☐ Income Tax
- ☐ Inheritance Tax (if applicable)
- ☐ Funeral costs
- ☐ Outstanding invoices
Value the Estate
- ☐ Obtain property valuation(s)
- ☐ Value investments
- ☐ Value business assets (if applicable)
- ☐ Value jewellery and valuables
- ☐ Calculate total estate value
- ☐ Keep copies of all valuation reports
Complete Tax Requirements
- ☐ Determine whether Inheritance Tax paperwork is required
- ☐ Complete the relevant tax forms
- ☐ Pay any tax due before probate (where required)
- ☐ Keep copies of all submissions
Apply for Probate
- ☐ Complete the probate application
- ☐ Check all information carefully
- ☐ Gather supporting documents
- ☐ Submit the application
- ☐ Keep copies of everything submitted
After Probate Is Granted
- ☐ Contact banks
- ☐ Contact pension providers
- ☐ Contact investment companies
- ☐ Collect estate funds
- ☐ Transfer or sell property
- ☐ Close financial accounts
- ☐ Keep records of every transaction
Pay Estate Expenses
- ☐ Funeral expenses
- ☐ Outstanding debts
- ☐ Loans
- ☐ Credit cards
- ☐ Taxes
- ☐ Administration costs
- ☐ Professional fees
Prepare Estate Accounts
Record:
- ☐ Assets received
- ☐ Property sale proceeds
- ☐ Income received
- ☐ Debts paid
- ☐ Taxes paid
- ☐ Executor expenses
- ☐ Final balance available for distribution
Distribute the Estate
- ☐ Confirm all liabilities have been settled
- ☐ Calculate each beneficiary’s entitlement
- ☐ Make distributions
- ☐ Obtain receipts where appropriate
- ☐ Keep copies of all correspondence
Close the Estate
- ☐ Confirm all accounts have been closed
- ☐ Retain important paperwork
- ☐ Store estate accounts securely
- ☐ Ensure beneficiaries have received their inheritance
- ☐ Confirm the administration is complete
Common Probate Mistakes to Check
Before closing the estate, ask yourself:
- ☐ Have all assets been identified?
- ☐ Have all debts been paid?
- ☐ Have all taxes been dealt with?
- ☐ Have beneficiaries been kept informed?
- ☐ Are the estate accounts complete?
- ☐ Have you kept copies of all important documents?
- ☐ Has every payment been recorded?
How Find a Funeral Can Help
Acting as an executor can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’ve never administered an estate before. This checklist is designed to help you stay organised and complete each stage of the probate process with confidence.
If you need professional support, Find a Funeral can help you compare experienced probate solicitors across the UK who can assist with probate applications, estate administration and legal advice.
Yes. A written checklist can help you keep track of progress and reduce the risk of overlooking important steps.
Yes. Many executors choose to print a checklist so they can work through the administration process stage by stage.
No. Some estates are straightforward and may not require every task listed. Use the checklist as a guide and adapt it to the circumstances of the estate.
Yes. Executors should retain copies of important documents, valuations, receipts and correspondence throughout the administration process.
Probate is generally complete once all assets have been collected, debts and taxes have been paid, the estate accounts have been prepared and the remaining estate has been distributed to the beneficiaries.
Related Resources
- Probate Checklist
- Probate Process Flowchart
- Probate Timeline
- Probate for Executors
- Executor Responsibilities
- Probate Costs
- Grant of Probate Explained
- Probate FAQs
- Probate Solicitors Near Me
- Wills and Estate Planning