Executor Mistakes I See Again and Again (and How to Avoid Them)
- Probate & Estate Support Hub
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 25
Most people don’t choose to become an executor — they inherit the role at a difficult time, often without warning, training, or support.
Almost every executor I’ve spoken with worries about making a mistake. That fear is understandable. What’s less talked about is that most problems don’t come from carelessness — they come from pressure, assumptions, and not knowing where the risks really are.
I don’t offer legal advice, but I can help you understand the executor mistakes I see most often, why they happen, and how people usually avoid them in practice.
If you are going through probate yourself, you may wish to consider our in depth guide Executor Mistakes & Risks which focuses specifically on personal liability, communication pitfalls, and the situations most likely to lead to challenge or dispute.
For more information on the role of the executor, please visit Executors and Estate Administration.
At a glance
Most executor mistakes are made early, before the risks are obvious
Rushing decisions often causes more problems than delaying them
Poor communication causes more conflict than paperwork errors
Executors often underestimate how long the role lasts
Clarity early on usually prevents expensive or stressful outcomes
Mistake 1: Rushing to “get things done”
One of the most common patterns I see is executors feeling pressure to act quickly — to sell the house, distribute money, or “move things along”.
That pressure often comes from:
family expectations
financial worries
discomfort with uncertainty
The problem is that early decisions are often made before the full picture is clear, which can create complications later.
Mistake 2: Assuming everything is straightforward
Many estates look simple at first.
Then something changes:
a property issue arises
an asset is discovered later
a beneficiary disagrees
paperwork doesn’t match expectations
The mistake isn’t assuming simplicity — it’s not revisiting that assumption when circumstances change.
Mistake 3: Poor communication with beneficiaries
Executors often try to shield others from stress by saying very little.
In reality, silence tends to:
increase suspicion
raise expectations
create unnecessary tension
Clear, calm updates — even when there’s no progress — usually prevent conflict far better than avoiding conversations.
Mistake 4: Underestimating personal responsibility
Many executors are surprised by how personally responsible the role feels once probate is granted.
This often shows up as:
anxiety about doing something wrong
fear of being blamed
reluctance to make decisions
The role is more than administrative — and that emotional weight often catches people off guard.
Mistake 5: Leaving difficult issues until later
Property decisions, disagreements, or unclear ownership issues don’t usually resolve themselves.
Putting them off often leads to:
increased delays
rising frustration
fewer options later
Addressing difficult topics early — even gently — usually reduces stress in the long run.
Mistake 6: Treating probate as a single task
Probate is rarely “one thing”.
It’s a process that unfolds over time, involving:
decisions
coordination
responsibility
patience
Executors often feel relief when probate is granted, only to realise that estate administration has really just begun.
A common real-world scenario
Imagine an executor who:
applies for probate confidently
expects things to move quickly
avoids difficult conversations
Months later, they’re dealing with:
beneficiary frustration
property complications
rising personal stress
Nothing went wrong — but early assumptions weren’t revisited, and communication fell behind reality.
Common misconceptions
“If I make a mistake, it means I’ve failed.”
Most mistakes are part of learning the role, not failure.
“Keeping quiet avoids conflict.”
Silence usually creates more conflict, not less.
“Once probate is granted, the hard part is over.”
For many executors, that’s when responsibility increases.
“I should already know how to do this.”
Most executors start with little or no experience.
What usually helps executors avoid problems
From what I’ve seen, executors tend to cope best when they:
slow down early decisions
keep communication simple and factual
ask questions before pressure builds
recognise when clarity would help
None of this requires legal expertise — just awareness and support.
What usually helps next
If you’re worried about making mistakes as an executor, the most helpful next step is often to:
understand where the real risks sit
separate urgent tasks from important ones
get clarity before acting under pressure
Once that’s clear, most executors feel far more confident about the role.
If it helps, you can join my email newsletter list for short, practical guidance on common probate issues as they arise.
Further Reading & Useful Links
Guide: Probate, Done Properly
Guide: Executor Mistakes and Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common executor mistake?
Rushing early decisions before the full situation is clear.
Can executor mistakes be fixed?
Often, yes — especially when they’re identified early.
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed as an executor?
Yes. Many executors underestimate the emotional and practical weight of the role.
Does making a mistake mean personal liability?
Not automatically. Context and intent matter, which is why clarity is important.
When should an executor seek help?
When uncertainty, complexity, or pressure starts affecting decisions or wellbeing.