📝 Executor Duties in the UK Explained (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you’ve been named an executor of a will, you might be wondering: What exactly does that mean?
Being an executor is an important responsibility. You’re legally responsible for handling the estate of the person who has died — making sure debts are paid and assets are distributed according to the will.
This guide explains your role in plain English, step by step, so you can feel confident about what’s expected of you.
👤 What Is an Executor?
An executor is the person named in a will to carry out the wishes of the deceased.
They act as the estate’s representative, dealing with paperwork, banks, property, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
If there is no will, this role is called an administrator and is usually taken on by the next of kin.
✅ Key Duties of an Executor
Here’s a breakdown of the main responsibilities:
- Register the death
- Arrange the death certificate and notify relevant authorities.
- Locate the will
- Make sure you have the most recent valid will.
- Secure the estate
- Protect property, valuables, pets, and important documents.
- Value the estate
- List assets (property, savings, pensions) and debts (loans, mortgages, credit cards).
- Apply for probate (if required)
- Probate gives you legal authority to act on the estate. Not always needed (e.g., small estates).
- Pay debts and taxes
- Use estate funds to clear outstanding bills, funeral costs, inheritance tax.
- Distribute assets
- Pass on money, property, and possessions to beneficiaries as set out in the will.
- Keep records
- Maintain estate accounts showing money in/out. Executors can be asked to prove this.
📅 Timeline of Executor Duties
- First 1–2 weeks: Register death, secure property, start funeral arrangements.
- Weeks 2–6: Locate will, gather paperwork, contact banks/insurers.
- Weeks 6–12: Value estate, apply for probate if needed.
- 3–12 months: Pay debts/taxes, distribute assets, finalise estate accounts.
💡 Estates with property, overseas assets, or disputes can take longer (12–24 months).
⚖️ Legal Responsibilities
- Executors must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
- You cannot profit personally from being an executor (unless the will allows fees for professional executors).
- Executors can be held personally liable if they mismanage the estate.
🛠️ Common Challenges
- Family disputes: Beneficiaries may disagree over assets.
- Complex estates: Property, businesses, or overseas accounts require extra paperwork.
- Inheritance tax: Estates over the threshold (£325,000 in 2024/25) may owe tax.
💡 If the estate is complex, it’s wise to seek legal or probate support.
🤝 Can You Refuse to Be an Executor?
Yes. If you don’t want to act as executor, you can “renounce” the role before probate is granted. Another named executor or a replacement administrator will step in.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Executors carry out the wishes in the will and manage the estate.
- Duties include registering the death, valuing the estate, applying for probate, paying debts, and distributing assets.
- The process can take months to years, depending on complexity.