Being named as an executor in someone's Will is a position of great trust and responsibility. As an executor, you are legally responsible for administering the deceased's estate according to their wishes and the law.
Your duties begin immediately after the death. You need to secure the property, locate the Will, register the death, and begin identifying the assets and liabilities of the estate.
One of your first tasks will be to apply for a Grant of Probate. This is the legal document that gives you authority to deal with the deceased's assets. In 2026, most probate applications are made online through the government portal.
You must value the entire estate accurately and report it to HMRC, even if no Inheritance Tax is due. Undervaluing assets can lead to penalties and personal liability.
You have a duty to pay all debts, taxes, and expenses of the estate before distributing anything to beneficiaries. This includes the deceased's final income tax return, any Capital Gains Tax, and Inheritance Tax if applicable.
Executors can be personally liable for mistakes. If you distribute the estate incorrectly, fail to pay debts, or miss tax obligations, you could be sued by creditors or beneficiaries.
At Castle Family Legal, we offer probate services to support executors through the entire process. Whether you need full administration or just guidance on specific aspects, we're here to help.
