What an executor is responsible for
An executor is the person named in a will to deal with the estate after someone dies.
In practice, that usually means:
- finding out what the estate owns and owes
- checking whether probate is needed
- applying for probate if required
- paying debts and tax from estate money
- keeping records
- distributing the estate to the right beneficiaries
The role is administrative as well as legal. You are expected to act carefully, keep clear records, and treat beneficiaries fairly.
Duties before probate
Before probate is granted, an executor usually needs to:
- locate the will and confirm who is acting
- register the death and gather the first documents
- identify assets, debts, and regular outgoings
- value the estate at the date of death
- check the inheritance tax route
- work out whether a probate application is needed
If you are still at the start, it helps to read [What Is Probate?](/support/knowledge-base/what-is-probate) and [Do I Need Probate?](/support/knowledge-base/do-i-need-probate) first.
Duties after probate is granted
Once the grant is issued, the job usually moves into collection and administration.
That often includes:
- closing or transferring accounts
- collecting in money due to the estate
- paying funeral costs, debts, tax, and administration expenses
- keeping the estate money separate from personal money
- preparing estate accounts
- making distributions only when it is safe to do so
If there is no will, the person doing this job is normally an administrator rather than an executor. The practical duties are similar once authority is in place. You can read more in [Letters of Administration Explained](/support/knowledge-base/letters-of-administration).
What executors need to keep records of
Good record-keeping is one of the most important parts of the role.
Keep a record of:
- valuations and balances at the date of death
- letters, emails, and phone calls with banks and institutions
- tax submissions and payment references
- money received into the estate
- money paid out of the estate
- what has been distributed and when
This matters because beneficiaries may ask questions later, and some organisations will need evidence before they release funds.
Common mistakes to avoid
Executors often run into problems when they:
- distribute money too early
- mix estate money with personal money
- rely on memory instead of keeping a written record
- miss a debt, tax issue, or follow-up request
- assume all estates work the same way
If the estate includes disputes, business assets, foreign assets, or uncertain will issues, specialist advice may still be sensible.
How Estate Suite can help
Estate Suite gives executors one place to keep tasks, records, correspondence, valuations, and estate money tracking together. That does not replace official guidance, but it can make a long and detailed job easier to manage from start to finish.
FAQ
Can an executor start work before probate is granted?
Yes. Executors often start gathering information, notifying institutions, and preparing valuations before probate is granted. What usually has to wait is collecting or transferring certain assets.
Is an executor personally liable for mistakes?
Executors are expected to act with reasonable care. Problems often arise if debts or tax are missed, records are poor, or money is distributed too early.
Does every executor have to do every task personally?
No. Executors can get help with parts of the work, but they still need to make sure the estate is dealt with properly.