What does an executor do?

An executor organises your estate after you die. They collect assets, pay debts and taxes, keep clear records and give out your gifts exactly as your will says.

Why it matters

An executor makes sure your wishes are followed and handles the legal tasks so your loved ones don’t have to. Without a reliable executor, your estate can get stuck in probate, causing delays, extra costs and family stress.

Responsibilities of an executor

1. Apply for probate
   • Submit your will to the Probate Registry and get a grant of probate.
2. Value the estate
   • List everything you own: property, bank accounts, investments, personal items.
3. Pay debts and taxes
   • Settle funeral costs, bills, loans and any Inheritance Tax that’s due.
4. Manage the estate
   • Keep assets safe (e.g. maintain property, manage investments) until distribution.
5. Distribute gifts
   • Follow your will’s instructions: specific gifts first, then divide the rest among your beneficiaries.
6. Keep records
   • Maintain clear paperwork of all transactions, in case beneficiaries or HMRC have questions.

How to choose an executor

• Trustworthiness: Pick someone honest and organised.
• Availability: They need time to handle paperwork, sometimes over many months.
• Understanding: Ideally, they know your family and finances.
• Age and capacity: Must be at least 18 and of sound mind.
• Backup executor: Name a second person in case your first choice can’t act.

You can choose a family member, friend, professional (like a solicitor) or a trust corporation.

Common mistakes

• Picking someone too busy: A full-time job or caring duties may leave little free time.
• No backup: If your executor dies or refuses, the court steps in and appoints someone else.
• Ignoring conflicts: A beneficiary might struggle to act impartially; consider a neutral friend or professional.
• Lack of guidance: Without a short note of your hopes and any special instructions, executors may find decisions hard.

Next steps

1. Try our Estate Planning Health Check to see who’s best placed to act as your executor.
2. Complete your details in our paid online will-writing service—it guides you through naming primary and backup executors.
3. Once you receive your will, sign it with the required witnesses and store it safely.

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