Being an executor is a responsibility, not a title. Here’s the plain-English sequence most estates follow in England & Wales (Scotland/NI similar, with different terminology).
1. First 48 hours
- Locate the Will (and any Letter of Wishes). Confirm who the executors are.
- Register the death and obtain official certificates (order extras).
- Secure the home: lock up, switch off obvious hazards, note meter readings, remove perishables.
- Insurance: tell the home insurer the property is now unoccupied and arrange appropriate cover.
2. First 1–2 weeks
- Tell Us Once (government service) to notify DWP, DVLA, etc.
- Use the Death Notification Service for banks/building societies.
- Funeral: banks will usually pay the funeral invoice from the deceased’s account before probate.
- Redirect post; pause subscriptions; cancel cards/services.
- Make a master list of assets and debts (your loved one’s personal balance sheet makes this easy).
3. Valuations & the tax picture
- Get date-of-death valuations: property (RICS valuation recommended), investments, cash, business interests, valuables.
- Identify gifts in the last 7 years and any regular gifts out of income (records help to claim reliefs).
- Work out the inheritance tax position and how IHT will be paid (instalments may be available; interest applies if late).
4. Applying for probate (Grant of Probate / Letters of Administration)
- Complete the IHT reporting, then the probate application.
- Some small balances can be released without a Grant (each bank has a threshold), but property transfers and most investments will need the Grant.
5. Property sales — what you can do before the Grant
- You can market the property and agree a sale subject to Grant.
- Exchanging/Completing pre-Grant: in practice, most lenders and conveyancers won’t complete until the Grant is issued. A cash buyer might agree to complete pre-Grant with indemnity insurance and special contract terms, but:
- the buyer usually can’t register title until the Grant is produced;
- if a later Will/executor surfaces, there’s title risk;
- insurers price in those risks.
- Bottom line: it’s legally possible in narrow cases, but not recommended. Best practice is wait for the Grant and exchange/complete then.
6. During the wait for the Grant
- You can accept offers and issue memoranda of sale; set expectations that completion waits for the Grant.
- Keep estate accounts: money in/out, valuations, expenses. Keep every invoice/receipt.
7. After the Grant is issued
- Collect assets and settle debts and taxes.
- Consider interim distributions if straightforward and cashflow allows (keep a prudent reserve).
- Property sale: check insurance, winterise if empty, keep utilities on low to prevent damage, keep buyers updated on timelines.
- Finalise estate accounts and distribute in line with the Will (or intestacy rules).
8. Deed of Variation — think before selling assets
- If beneficiaries may redirect inheritances (e.g., to children or charity), a Deed of Variation is often only fully effective for tax if done before the beneficiary sells or disposes of the asset.
- Selling first can limit tax “read-back” treatment. If a variation is on the cards, pause and get advice before exchange of contracts or encashing investments.
9. Red flags — call for help early if:
- There’s a business, overseas assets, trusts, or complicated gifts.
- Family tensions, potential claims, or missing beneficiaries.
- The house is tenanted or jointly owned in a way that conflicts with the Will.
- You suspect insolvency (debts may exceed assets) — don’t distribute without advice.
Handy extras:
- Council tax: many councils offer an exemption/discount on an empty property due to probate — ask.
- Vehicles: inform insurer and DVLA; keep insured until sold/transferred.
- Digital: use legacy contact tools where set up; otherwise contact platforms with the death certificate and proof of authority.
Costs & professional help
Most Wills give executors power to take professional advice (solicitor/accountant) and to pay reasonable costs from the estate. Don’t struggle alone — it’s usually more efficient (and safer) to get help.
What makes a good executor (quick reminder)
Organised, calm with paperwork, fair with family, and available. Pairing a family member with a professional can work well.
Practical tip: Keep a single estate file (digital or physical) with the Will, Grant, valuations, bank letters, tax forms and estate accounts.
Call to action: Unsure what to do first? Get advice before you act. Most Wills allow reasonable professional costs to be paid from the estate.
Back to You are not Immortal – a practical guide to a delicate topic – IHT
