What does an executor do?
At a high level, an executor is responsible for administering the estate according to the Will and applicable requirements. Exact duties depend on the estate and circumstances.
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Administration after a death is a different enquiry from preventative estate planning. It usually involves locating the Will, understanding the executor’s role, determining whether a grant of probate is required, identifying assets and liabilities, and then administering and distributing the estate. The right next step depends on the documents, the assets and the family circumstances.
This pathway is for administration after a death. If you are planning while everyone is well, start with the Estate Protection Plan instead. Where probate or administration becomes contested, see Estate Disputes — or discuss a contested matter through the estate-dispute enquiry pathway.
Executors can face legal responsibility, practical administration tasks and family expectations at the same time.
Whether probate is required is a factual question. It depends on the assets, the institutions involved and how title is held.
Acting before authority is clear can create delay. Advice should be obtained before collecting or distributing assets if the position is uncertain.
At a high level, an executor is responsible for administering the estate according to the Will and applicable requirements. Exact duties depend on the estate and circumstances.
Probate is the court process that can confirm a Will and an executor’s authority to deal with estate assets. Whether it is required depends on the assets and circumstances.
Timeframes vary with the estate, the completeness of documents, the court and whether the application is straightforward. There is no reliable standard period for every estate.
Yes. It is common. Whether it is suitable depends on the people involved, the estate’s complexity and whether conflicts of interest are likely.
Often yes, especially where the estate is complex or family circumstances are sensitive. Whether advice is needed depends on the legal and financial circumstances.
Administration may follow different rules and appointments. The position depends on the family, assets and applicable requirements, and advice should be obtained before acting.
Knowledge Centre
Wills
A general guide to the risks and uncertainty that can arise when someone dies without a valid will, and why considered planning matters.
Read topicLife Events
A practical guide to the life events and structural changes that often mean an estate plan should be reviewed.
Read topicPowers of Attorney
A clear general explanation of enduring powers of attorney, why they matter during life, and how they differ from a will.
Read topicNext step
If a family member has died, or you have been appointed as executor, this enquiry is about administration — not a preventative estate plan.