What Does an Executor Do?
A Practical Guide to Understanding What Does an Executor Do and When you May Need Professional Help.
Being appointed as an executor can feel like a significant responsibility, particularly when you're also dealing with the loss of a family member or friend. The role can involve a considerable amount of paperwork and communication, and the time it takes will depend on the circumstances. Understanding what's expected of an executor can help you prepare for the process and decide whether you need professional support.
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For information about the broader complexities of managing an estate after a death, please see our main guide linked below.
What is an Executor?
An executor is the person named in a will to deal with someone's estate after they die. This means taking responsibility for the practical, financial and legal tasks needed to carry out the instructions in the will and pass on the estate to the people entitled to inherit.
An executor is usually someone the person who died trusted to manage their affairs, such as a family member, friend or solicitor. A will can name one or more executors, allowing responsibility to be shared. Being named as an executor does not automatically mean you have to take on the role. If you have been appointed but feel unable to act, there are formal options for stepping aside. It's important to understand the responsibilities involved and seek advice if you're unsure how to proceed.
Does an Executor Also Inherit From the Estate?
An executor does not automatically inherit simply because they have been appointed to manage the estate. They may also be a beneficiary if the will names them as someone who should receive money, property or possessions. These are separate roles: being an executor means administering the estate, while being a beneficiary means receiving an inheritance.
Who Can Be an Executor?
An executor is usually someone the person who died trusted to manage their affairs. They may have chosen a relative, a friend or a professional, such as a solicitor. A will can also name more than one executor, meaning responsibility is shared.
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Being named in a will does not automatically mean you have to take on the role. If you have been appointed but do not feel able to act, there are formal options for stepping aside or allowing another eligible person to apply. The appropriate option will depend on the circumstances, so it's worth getting advice before making a decision.
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If there is no valid will, or no named executor is able or willing to act, an administrator may need to be appointed instead. Their role is broadly similar, although the process for obtaining authority differs. For more information about what happens to an estate if someone dies without a will, please see our guide linked below.
What Are an Executor's Responsibilities?
An executor is responsible for making sure the estate is dealt with properly. The exact tasks will depend on what the person owned, their financial circumstances and the instructions in their will. These can include, but are not limited to:
Identifying the estate's assets:
The executor needs to establish what the person owned and where it is held. This may involve contacting banks, pension providers, insurers and other organisations, as well as arranging valuations for property or valuable possessions. They will also need to identify any outstanding financial commitments so that the estate's overall position can be understood.
Dealing with legal and financial matters:
Depending on the estate, the executor may need to apply for probate before certain assets can be accessed or transferred. They must also establish whether tax returns or payments are required and ensure that outstanding debts are dealt with appropriately. These responsibilities can be more involved when the estate includes property, investments, business interests or assets held overseas.
Distributing the estate:
Once the necessary checks have been completed and the estate's financial obligations have been addressed, the executor can arrange for the remaining assets to be passed on in accordance with the will. This may involve transferring money, arranging the sale of property or ensuring that particular possessions reach the people named to receive them.
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​Executors should keep clear records of the decisions they make, the payments they arrange and how the estate is distributed. This helps demonstrate that they have carried out their responsibilities properly.
How Long Does an Executor's Role Take?
There is no fixed timeframe for completing an executor's responsibilities. A straightforward estate may be settled within a relatively short period, while a more complicated one can take many months or longer. Delays can occur if property needs to be sold, financial information is difficult to obtain, tax matters need to be resolved or disagreements arise between beneficiaries.
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Executors should avoid distributing the estate too early. If money or assets are passed on before debts and other liabilities have been properly considered, they may face personal financial consequences.
Can an Executor Get Help From a Solicitor?
Yes. An executor can seek professional assistance with some or all of the estate administration process. This can be particularly useful if the estate is complicated, the will is unclear, there are disagreements between family members or the executor is unsure about their legal obligations.
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Some executors manage straightforward estates themselves, while others prefer to appoint a solicitor or probate specialist to handle the paperwork and legal requirements. The important thing is to understand the responsibilities involved and seek advice when necessary. Being an executor does not mean you have to work everything out without help.
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For further information, visit GOV.UK's guidance on dealing with an estate.
How Clive Pugh Funeral Directors Can Help
If you're responsible for dealing with an estate, you may also need to organise the funeral and make a number of practical decisions. Once you appoint Clive Pugh Funeral Directors, we can act as your main point of contact for the funeral arrangements and help explain what needs to be organised.
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Depending on the circumstances, we can:
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Discuss the available funeral options and help you understand what is involved.
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Provide an estimate and explain the costs of the funeral.
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Arrange the service, venue, coffin, transport and other practical details.
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Liaise with the chosen cemetery, churchyard, crematorium, minister or celebrant.
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Explain which decisions need to be confirmed before the funeral can proceed.
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Keep you informed as the arrangements progress.
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Our role is to manage the practical aspects of the funeral and provide clear information throughout the process. We do not manage the estate itself or provide legal advice on your responsibilities as an executor. If you need help with probate, distributing assets or other estate matters, a solicitor or probate specialist can advise you.
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Clive Pugh Funeral Directors can provide straightforward advice about the arrangements and explain the options available. ​You do not need to have every detail agreed before contacting us. We can discuss your circumstances, answer your questions and explain the next steps involved in arranging a funeral in Shrewsbury, Shropshire or the surrounding areas. Contact Clive Pugh Funeral Directors when you are ready.
With You Every Step of the Way
Date and Time
Following registration, a date and time can then be arranged.
Cremation or Burial
In many cases a loved one will have left their own specific preference. Once the decision for a cremation or burial has been made, a venue for the service and order of events can be agreed upon.
Chapel of Rest
Our private chapel is available for you to spend time with your loved one, also allowing your relatives and friends the chance to say "goodbye".
The Funeral Service
We will liaise with the Clergy, Humanist Minister or Celebrant of your choice. Alternatively, if no specific Minister is requested we can suggest a Minister who will guide you through the order of service. The readings, hymns and eulogies will all be discussed.
Coffins, Caskets and Urns
We offer a large range of traditional coffins, caskets and urns. You can choose from many different styles and we offer a range of price points. Should you want to offer a unique tribute to your loved one, ask us about our customisation options. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Vehicles
We take pride in being able to offer a comprehensive selection of vehicles. A horse drawn hearse is also available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions About Executors
Can an executor be held personally responsible for mistakes?
Yes. Executors have legal responsibilities, and mistakes such as distributing assets before properly accounting for debts or tax liabilities can leave them personally liable in some circumstances. If you're unsure how to handle a particular situation, seek advice from a solicitor or probate specialist before proceeding.
Can an executor sell the person's house?
An executor may be able to arrange the sale of a property as part of administering the estate, depending on the will, the ownership arrangements and any relevant legal requirements. The proceeds would then be dealt with according to the terms of the will and the estate's financial obligations.
What happens if an executor cannot be contacted or refuses to act?
If an executor is unwilling or unable to carry out the role, another person may be able to take responsibility through the appropriate legal process. The options depend on whether the estate has other named executors and the circumstances of the appointment. Professional advice can help establish how to proceed.
Can an executor be paid for their work?
An executor who is also a beneficiary does not usually receive payment simply for carrying out their duties, although reasonable expenses incurred while administering the estate can generally be reclaimed. Professional executors, such as solicitors, may charge for their services where the relevant arrangements allow it. The position depends on the circumstances and any applicable terms in the will.