Executor duties UK
Last reviewed June 2026
An executor named in a UK will is legally responsible for administering the estate: registering the death, valuing all assets and liabilities, applying for probate, paying inheritance tax and any debts, collecting and distributing assets to the beneficiaries, and keeping detailed estate accounts. The role usually takes 6–12 months for a simple estate and carries personal liability, if you distribute too early and a creditor surfaces, you can be pursued personally. You can step down (renounce probate) if you do so before taking any action. Up to four executors can act jointly.
The 8 core executor duties
In order, you must:
- Register the death and obtain certified copies (or have a relative do so)
- Locate the original will and check for any codicils
- Value the estate, assets, liabilities, gifts in the last 7 years
- Work out inheritance tax due and file IHT400 if needed
- Apply for the grant of probate (£526 fee, online via GOV.UK)
- Collect in all assets, close accounts, sell or transfer property, claim insurances
- Pay debts, funeral costs, taxes and administration expenses
- Distribute to beneficiaries and prepare final estate accounts
Personal liability
Executors are personally liable for unpaid debts and tax if they distribute too early. Two protections: place a Gazette creditor notice (£88) and wait 2 months before distributing; and wait the full 6-month Inheritance Act window before distributing to allow disappointed-beneficiary claims to surface.
Can you refuse to be an executor?
Yes. You can renounce probate by signing a form of renunciation, provided you haven't yet 'intermeddled' in the estate (taken any action as executor). Once renounced, the role passes to the next executor named in the will, or to a beneficiary applying for letters of administration with will annexed.
Frequently asked questions
Do executors get paid?
Lay executors (relatives, friends) can claim reasonable expenses but no fee. Professional executors (solicitors, banks) charge fees set out in the will or agreed with beneficiaries, typically 1–5% of the estate.
How long does an executor have to settle an estate?
There's no statutory deadline, but the 'executor's year' 12 months from the date of death is the customary benchmark. Beneficiaries can ask the court for an account if you haven't distributed by then.
Can two executors disagree?
Executors must act unanimously. If they can't agree, the matter goes to court, which is slow and expensive. The pragmatic fix is for one executor to renounce or to apply for power reserved.
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