What Does An Executor Do?

Being an executor is an important responsibility, but you do not have to manage the process alone. The role can feel daunting, especially while you are grieving. You may be unsure what you need to do, concerned about making a mistake or reluctant to take on the responsibility.

This guide explains the main steps, so that you can understand what is expected and carry out the deceased’s wishes carefully.

It assumes that the deceased left a valid Will. Different rules may apply if there is no valid Will or if the estate is complex.

What is an executor?

An executor is someone appointed in a Will to deal with the person’s estate after they die and to carry out the instructions in the Will. The estate includes everything the person owned and everything they owed at the date of death.