Hodge Jones & Allen

Being an executor for another person is a big responsibility. Before you readily agree to accept the role, you should be aware of the associated responsibilities and legal liabilities, not to mention the time and hard work involved in sorting out a person’s estate.

In order to administer an estate you will need to do the following:

1. Establish if a valid will has been made
2. Ascertain personal details about the deceased, including items owned and any debts owed. You will need to make enquiries and prepare paperwork.
3. Complete the appropriate HM Revenue and Customs form to report the details and value of the estate and establish whether any inheritance tax is due.
4. Pay any inheritance tax due.
5. Swear an oath. Apply for grant of representation.
6. Register the grant of representation with the banks and other organisations concerned.
7. Collect in or transfer any assets of the estate.
8. Settle the estate liabilities, including any tax still owed and any tax liability that has arisen while the estate is being administered.
9. Distribute the estate in accordance with the will or rules of intestacy and obtain receipts.
10. Prepare the estate accounts.

With all this to deal with you can see that being an executor is a potentially stressful and time-consuming experience. However, it needn’t be. Our team of probate specialists can help take the administrative burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on making sure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out.

Our probate lawyers can also help guide you through the process, from beginning to end, helping you seek a grant of representation, value the estate, and comply with all your legal and financial duties. We can help you with as much or as little as you wish.

Contact the Private Client Team

For more information, or to book an appointment, call Sarah Boulter on 0800 437 0080. Alternatively, fill out the online enquiry form and a member of our team will contact you to arrange a confidential, no-obligation discussion.

Private Client team

• Sarah Cooper, Partner
• Hannah Bunting, Associate
• Claire Gallagher, Solicitor
• Caroline Brosnan, Trainee Solicitor 
• Sarah Boulter, Paralegal