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Wills: creating your first Will for England or WalesWills: what is a partner?Wills: guidance on jointly held assetsWills: guidance on 'tenants in common'Wills: guidance on choosing your executorWills: key duties of your executorWills: guidance on children in willsWills: guidance on choosing a guardianWills: supporting the guardianWills: guardian for your petWills: guidance on property and real estateWills: Life Interest in a propertyWills: guidance on distributing your residuary estateWills: guidance on leaving gifts or bequestsWills: is my Will reviewed?Wills: can I trust your Wills?Wills: what happens if I don't have a valid Will?Wills: how are my affairs settled and in what order?Wills: nominating a replacement beneficiaryWills: guidance on the effect of a divorce on your WillWills: do you offer 'mirror wills'?Leaving a Gift to CharityLeaving a Gift to an Effective Giving Charity
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Do you live in England or Wales?Are you legally Married or have a Civil Partner?Your ExecutorsDo you have any children?Do you want to appoint a guardian?Do you have any pets?Do you own a property?Do you want to provide ‘life interest’ to your legal partner?Gifts and BequestsLeaving a BequestThe remainder; your residuary estateHave you excluded anyone?

Wills: key duties of your executor

Your executor is the person or organisation that will distribute your estate and carry out the wishes you have recorded in your Will. 

Your executor will legally fulfil a number of important duties including:

Initial Tasks:

  • Register the death and get multiple copies of the death certificate.
  • Locate the most recent will.
  • Arrange the funeral (use estate funds if needed).
  • Notify key organisations (e.g., government, banks, utilities).

Managing the Estate:

  • Value assets (property, accounts, possessions).
  • Pay any inheritance tax (IHT) within 6 months in the UK.

Probate:

  • Check if probate is needed (usually for property or significant assets).
  • Apply for probate.

Protecting Against Claims:

  • Publish a deceased estates notice in The Gazette and local newspapers to alert creditors.

Finalise the Estate:

  • Collect assets into an estate account.
  • Pay debts and taxes in order of priority.
  • Keep clear financial records.
  • Distribute the estate to beneficiaries, following the Will or legal rules. Wait at least 2 months after the notice for claims.

Important note: The probate processes can be complex, we recommend you seek specialist advice if you would like more information about the role of the executor. We work with a panel of probate specialists, if you would like an introduction simply email us at hello@adeus.life

 

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