Executor Checklist

Being an executor is a huge responsibility. You’re expected to:

• Identify every asset and liability.

• Protect and insure estate property.

• Manage risks around creditors, missing wills, or unknown beneficiaries.

• Make decisions in the best interests of beneficiaries.

Missed steps can lead to delays, disputes, or even personal liability. That’s why having a structured checklist is invaluable. It ensures you don’t overlook anything important.

The checklist gives you a clear, action-oriented framework to follow. It helps you manage risk and protect both yourself and the estate across five key areas:

1. Executor Risk Management

• Essential searches for assets, debts, and wills.
• Understanding your personal liability as an executor.

2. Property Risk Management

• Protecting and insuring an empty property.
• Maintenance, inspections, and maximising sale value.

3. Insurance Protections

• Probate-specific policies that protect executors, administrators, and beneficiaries.
• Avoiding common pitfalls such as underinsurance or unsuitable cover.

4. Distribution & Creditor Risks

• Guidance on early distribution.
• Cover for creditor claims, missing wills, or later challenges.

5. Beneficiary & Dispute Risks

• Protecting against claims from missing or unknown beneficiaries.
• Support with contentious probate issues.

Executors are often unpaid family members who take on a professional’s job during a difficult time. This checklist is designed to make sure you’re protected at every step and reduce the risk of personal liability.

• Simple to follow – a step-by-step structure that makes complex responsibilities manageable.
• Practical links – points you towards free searches, trusted resources, and specialist insurance.
• Designed for both executors and solicitors – whether you’re a family member or a professional, it gives you peace of mind.
• Easy to keep close – download once, and you’ll have it to hand throughout the probate journey.

Alongside the checklist, these resources will guide you through the most common challenges executors face:

• Executor Insurance Guide - a more in-depth version of the checklist.
• Executor Home Insurance - Explaining your liabilities when it comes to insuring property.
• Estate Protect Direct - Get a quote for the legal indemnities list in this guide.
• Find a Probate Solicitor - If you need help during the process, we can refer you to one of our solicitor clients who may be able to assist.
• Worried about issues that might lead to a contentious probate claim?  Get a FREE contentious probate consultation to understand the chances of a claim and your risks.
• Selling property?  Why not get a FREE probate property valuation, and how a specialist probate auction could significantly outperform the traditional estate agency model.

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