06/09/2026
People often name an executor the way theyโd choose someone for a wedding toast โ a brother, the eldest child, a close friend. But hereโs what youโre actually asking of them.
โข Value the entire estate i.e. every account, property, pension, policy and possession
โข Complete the inheritance tax return, and in many cases pay the tax before they can access the money to pay it with
โข Apply for the grant of probate
โข Chase institutions that take weeks to reply
โข Settle debts, sell property, distribute correctly
โข Carry personal liability if they get it wrong
โข Nine to twelve months of administration. While grieving and usually alongside a full time job.
You can spare them most of it. Structuring the estate properly now, and letting a professional handle the probate, turns a year of stress into a manageable process.