Executors & Estate Administration in England & Wales: What You’re Responsible For (and What You’re Not)
Being named as an executor can feel daunting. Many people tell me they were surprised by the responsibility, especially if they’re also dealing with grief, family expectations, or uncertainty about what they’re allowed to do.
It’s common to worry about getting something wrong, being blamed by beneficiaries, or facing personal liability. I don’t offer legal advice, but I can help you understand what executors typically do, where people often feel overwhelmed, and how estate administration works in practice.
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If you are going through probate and want to do it with confidence, our in depth guides Probate, Done Properly and Executor Mistakes and Risks have been designed to give you a balanced, end-to-end reference for acting as executor carefully and defensibly.
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​This article is part of our wider Probate Explained series, which sets out how probate and estate administration work in England and Wales.
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At a glance
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Executors are responsible for administering the estate, not resolving every family dispute
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The role usually involves paperwork, money handling, and decision-making over time
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Many issues arise from communication and unclear roles rather than legal complexity
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Keeping good records is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress
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Support is often most helpful when the estate includes property or multiple beneficiaries
What does an executor actually do?
In practical terms, executors are responsible for managing the estate from death through to final distribution. This often includes:
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identifying and valuing assets and liabilities
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applying for probate if it’s required
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collecting assets once authority is granted
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paying bills and settling liabilities
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dealing with property decisions
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preparing estate accounts
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distributing the estate to beneficiaries
Each task on its own may seem manageable, but many people underestimate how much coordination and time the role can involve — especially when it’s unfamiliar.
If you are reading this before your role as executor has started, you may benefit from reading our comprehensive article Putting Things in Order: Practical Steps That Help Later.
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Estate administration: what people find hardest
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Estate administration isn’t usually difficult because of one complex task. It’s difficult because:
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there are many small steps spread over time
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decisions often depend on information from others
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family members may have different expectations
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progress can feel slow, even when things are moving forward
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I’ve seen many executors feel confident at the start, then become overwhelmed once the reality of the admin becomes clear. That’s a very common experience.
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To learn more about the most common mistakes I see executors make, you can read our article Executor Mistakes I See Again and Again.
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You may also be interested to read How Long do Executors have to Distribute the Estate?
Multiple executors: where delays often start
When there is more than one executor, delays often arise not from disagreement, but from:
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uncertainty over who is responsible for what
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waiting for joint decisions or signatures
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different levels of availability or confidence
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Clear communication early on can prevent a lot of frustration later. Without it, even straightforward estates can stall.
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Estate accounts and record-keeping (why this matters)
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Good record-keeping is one of the most practical ways executors protect themselves and reduce tension with beneficiaries.
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Estate accounts typically summarise:
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money coming into the estate
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payments made on behalf of the estate
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the balance available for distribution
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This doesn’t need to be complex, but it does need to be accurate and consistent. Poor records are one of the most common causes of later disputes.
Common misconceptions about being an executor
“Executors are personally liable for everything.”
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Executors do have responsibilities, but many fears about personal liability are exaggerated or misunderstood.
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“Executors must act immediately.”
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You do need to progress the estate, but rushing often causes mistakes.
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“Beneficiaries control the process.”
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Beneficiaries have rights, but executors are responsible for administering the estate.
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“If the will is clear, the job is easy.”
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Even clear wills can involve significant administration.
When estate administration becomes more complex
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Estate administration often becomes more challenging where:
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there is a property to sell or manage
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beneficiaries disagree or communication is strained
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values are uncertain or need revisiting
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there are multiple executors
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accounts and records are incomplete
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In these situations, support can help reduce stress and prevent problems escalating.
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What usually happens next
Executors typically move through three broad phases:
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early groundwork and information-gathering
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applying for probate where required
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post-grant estate administration and distribution
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If you’re unsure which phase you’re in, clarifying that first often makes everything else feel more manageable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are an executor’s main responsibilities?
Executors are responsible for administering the estate, which usually involves applying for probate if needed, collecting assets, paying liabilities, keeping records, and distributing the estate according to the will or rules of intestacy.
Can one executor act without the other?
This depends on the circumstances and what action is being taken. In practice, delays often arise when executors are unclear about who can act and when joint agreement is needed.
Are executors personally liable for mistakes?
Executors do have responsibilities, but many fears about personal liability come from misunderstandings. Keeping clear records and progressing the estate carefully reduces risk.
How long does estate administration take?
There is no fixed timeframe. Estates involving property, multiple beneficiaries, or complex assets often take longer to administer.
Can an executor get help with estate administration?
Yes. Executors can seek support where the estate is complex or where they feel unsure about the responsibilities involved.