What Does an Executor Do? A Complete UK Guide
Being named as an executor is both an honour and a significant responsibility. An executor is the person named in a will to administer someone's estate after they die. In England and Wales, the role carries legal obligations that can take months or even years to fulfil. The average executor spends 570 hours on estate administration, dealing with banks, insurers, HMRC, property transfers, and family communications. This guide covers everything you need to know about executor duties, from obtaining the grant of probate to distributing the estate, including the common pitfalls that catch people out and how to protect yourself from personal liability.
What is an Executor?
An executor (or 'personal representative') is the person appointed in a will to manage the deceased's estate. If there's no will, the court appoints an administrator instead, following intestacy rules.
Key Responsibilities
1. Secure the Estate
Your first duty is to secure all assets. This means locating the will, securing the property, and notifying relevant organisations of the death. The Tell Us Once service (available through the registrar) can notify multiple government departments simultaneously.
2. Apply for Probate
You'll need to apply for a Grant of Probate from the Probate Registry. This legal document confirms your authority to deal with the estate. As of 2026, the application fee is £300 for estates over £5,000.
3. Value the Estate
Every asset and liability must be valued at the date of death. This includes property, bank accounts, investments, pensions, personal possessions, and debts. You'll need to complete an Inheritance Tax return (IHT400 or the shorter IHT205/IHT217).
4. Pay Debts and Tax
All legitimate debts must be paid before distributing the estate. Inheritance Tax is due within 6 months of death, though you can pay in instalments for property. The current nil-rate band is £325,000, with an additional £175,000 residence nil-rate band if the home passes to direct descendants.
5. Distribute the Estate
Once all debts and taxes are settled, you distribute assets according to the will. Keep detailed records of everything — beneficiaries can challenge your decisions, and you're personally liable for mistakes.
Common Pitfalls
- Missing the IHT deadline: Interest accrues from 6 months after death
- Distributing too early: If debts surface later, you're personally liable
- Ignoring digital assets: Email accounts, crypto, social media all need handling
- Not advertising for creditors: Place statutory notices in The Gazette and local papers
How WhenImGone Helps
WhenImGone creates a complete life pack that gives executors everything they need from day one: every account, every policy, every contact — verified and current. Instead of 570 hours of detective work, your executor gets a clear roadmap.
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