Here I try to answer the questions I am frequently asked by Executors and link through to more detailed answers in the rest of the site. You can ask questions too, but do bear in mind I can’t give specific advice, not being a registered probate lawyer, but I can pass those on to firms who can help as much or as little as you like, should you need professional help at a sensible cost.
Contact us – or ask a question at the foot of the page.
How to choose a funeral director.
No Will – who can apply for letters of administration/ probate?
Executors duties Please bear with me on this page as is two pages combined, and will be fully rewritten when I get a chance. At the moment, the more detailed duties are further down the page, and the top half is a bit more general.
Video of executors duties by a former colleague.
How to give up as executor – if you are quick enough.
Preplanning and savings limits before probate is insisted on by banks etc.
Claims by dependents that they have not been provided for or inadequately under the 1975 Inheritance (family and dependents) Act as amended.
Property insurance (you will be liable if the property is insecure and uninsured!)
When to DIY or get professional help.
Who is allowed to see the Will?
We would advise disclosure of the Will to the beneficiaries to avoid suspicion.
Estates with more liabilities than assets – Insolvent Estates.
Some ideas on how to upset beneficiaries!
What to do before death if you get the chance.
Probate delays and how to reduce them.
Is Probate needed? It is not always.
Can an executor act on a verbal wish?
Complex Estates needs updating
Probate Registry Contacts (it is all change at the Registry!)
Probate Quotes – you don’t have to do it yourself, and the estate pays.
What you need to know about how solicitors charge.
Obtaining probate from abroad.
Solicitors etc fees – needs updating.
Digital estates. Some thoughts on making a start.
Disagreements between executors. Do executors have to agree on everything?
Uncooperative executors. Don’t become one!
Transferable Nil Rate Band of IHT (needs update).
Notes on Inheritance Tax and Gifts.
More on Inheritance Tax.
How soon is IHT payable? Sooner than you think!
Selling property. But you shouldn’t normally sign a contract until probate is granted!
How much can executors sell the property for? No selling it to a friend below market price please!
Issues over property valuation – don’t get it wrong, or it could come back to bite you.
Protecting yourself as executor against undiscovered debts or liabilities.
No executors named in the Will?
Attendance at interview (rarely relevant these days.)
Help for executors: the Assisted Probate Service.
Must a solicitor resign as executor if asked?