Reading time: 4 mins

---

Being asked to be someone’s executor is a sign of trust. It means they believe you will respect their wishes and look after their affairs when they’re gone.

But being an executor involves more than simply reading a Will and handing out an inheritance. It comes with legal responsibilities, financial decisions and sometimes difficult conversations.

If you’ve been named as an executor, here’s what you need to know.

What does an executor actually do?

An executor is the person appointed in a Will to manage someone’s estate after their death. The estate includes their property, savings, investments, possessions and outstanding debts.

Your main responsibility is to ensure the estate is dealt with correctly and the beneficiaries receive what they’re entitled to.

In England and Wales, an executor’s duties generally involve six key tasks.

1. Find the Will and secure the estate

Your first job is to locate the original Will and check whether there are any later updates, known as codicils.

You should also take reasonable steps to protect the deceased’s property and possessions. This might include securing an empty home, checking insurance arrangements and safeguarding valuable items.

The aim is to prevent loss or damage while the estate is being administered.

2. Identify and value everything in the estate

Before distributing anything, you need to establish what the deceased owned and owed.

This may involve contacting banks, pension providers, investment companies and other organisations. You’ll also need to identify mortgages, loans, unpaid bills and other liabilities.

Some assets may require professional valuations, particularly property or business interests.

Accurate information is essential for probate applications and any Inheritance Tax calculations.

3. Deal with probate and tax

Depending on the assets involved, you may need to apply for a Grant of Probate. This provides formal proof of your authority to deal with the estate.

You must also establish whether Inheritance Tax is payable and meet any relevant reporting requirements.

There may be other tax matters to address, including Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax arising during the estate administration.

Not every estate needs probate or pays Inheritance Tax. However, every executor should understand which requirements apply.

4. Pay debts before distributing inheritance

One of the most important rules is that the estate’s debts and liabilities must be properly dealt with before beneficiaries receive their inheritance.

This can include funeral expenses, outstanding bills, loans, taxes and administration costs.

Distributing money too early can cause serious problems. If there isn’t enough left to settle outstanding liabilities, you could become personally responsible for certain amounts.

This is why careful record-keeping and financial planning matter.

5. Keep beneficiaries informed and manage expectations

Being an executor can involve more than paperwork. You may also find yourself managing family expectations, especially when emotions are running high.

Beneficiaries may want to know when they’ll receive their inheritance or why certain decisions are taking time.

Clear, honest communication can help avoid misunderstandings. However, your responsibility is to administer the estate correctly, not simply to keep everyone happy.

You must follow the Will and your legal duties, even when family members disagree.

6. Distribute the estate and keep proper records

Once the necessary debts, taxes and expenses have been dealt with, you can distribute the remaining estate according to the Will.

You should keep accurate records of the assets collected, payments made and money distributed. These records are used to prepare the estate accounts.

Your responsibilities generally end once the estate has been properly administered, although some arrangements may involve continuing duties.

Can you refuse to be an executor?

Yes. Being named in someone’s Will does not automatically mean you must take on the role.

If you haven’t started administering the estate, you may be able to formally renounce your appointment.

You may also be able to have another executor take the lead while you reserve the right to act later.

However, stepping aside can become more complicated once you’ve started acting. It’s best to seek advice before making a decision.

Can an executor get professional help?

Absolutely. You don’t have to handle everything yourself.

Many executors choose to seek professional support, particularly when an estate involves property, businesses, complex tax matters or disagreements between beneficiaries.

You can appoint a qualified professional to assist with some or all of the administration while you retain your legal responsibilities.

Reasonable professional fees for estate administration can generally be paid from the estate.

Being trusted is an honour. Getting it right is a responsibility.

Being an executor is an important role, and it can feel overwhelming when you’re also grieving.

The good news is that you don’t need to know everything from the start. Understanding your responsibilities and knowing when to ask for help can make the process much easier.

At Jermyn Taylor Private Client Services, we help executors navigate probate and estate administration with clear, practical guidance.

Whether you need advice on a particular issue or support throughout the process, our team is here to help.

Named as an executor and unsure where to start? Contact Jermyn Taylor to discuss your next steps.

Not sure where to start or what you need to do next? Our latest article offers clear, practical guidance to help you navigate your responsibilities as an executor.

---

This article provides general information for England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice tailored to individual circumstances.