Executors are people chosen and named in a Will by the Testator, who is the individual whose Will it is. The Executors of a Will are responsible for administering the estate of the Testator when they have passed away. Up to four Executors can be named in a Will, and it’s best practice to name at least two.

When a loved one passes away, there are many tasks that must be completed before their estate can be distributed to the beneficiaries. One of those tasks may be applying for probate; probate is not always needed, but if it’s required, it can be a confusing process that involves a lot of time and effort. This blog aims to simplify probate and explain what it is, when it’s required, and the application process.

When creating your Will, you will be faced with the decision of who to name as your Executor(s). This blog will provide an overview of the role, the options available, and what to consider when appointing an Executor.

In the UK, the Executor of a Will is responsible for managing the estate of a deceased person, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets according to the terms of the Will. The specific duties of an Executor may include:

When dealing with the death of a loved one, many Executors find themselves worrying about the costs of administering the estate and how fees can be paid. Acting as an Executor or Administrator is not a paid role, and it’s common to feel concerned that it may leave you out of pocket. In this blog, we’ll cover what probate is and whether probate (and other fees) can be paid out of the estate.

The term Personal Representative might sound daunting, especially if you’re navigating the complex process of estate administration for the first time. A Personal Representative is responsible for the administration of a deceased person's estate; they are liable for various legal and financial tasks that ensure the smooth transition of assets to the beneficiaries.

When you’re faced with the responsibility of being named as an Executor in a Will, there are many things to consider. The tasks included in the role can be time-consuming and involve complex legal jargon, which can prove overwhelming during the difficult time of losing someone. Whilst an Executor is required to deal with the estate, help is available, and they have the option of instructing a professional provider. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the Executor role and why it can be beneficial to seek professional support.

For many families, discussions about death are difficult to initiate. For those who do manage to have the conversation, it’s often an uncomfortable one to have, as it can be difficult to envisage how life will be without a loved one. Unfortunately, it's inevitable that we will all experience a loss at some point during our lifetime, and in many cases, this happens without previous discussion and little planning in place, which ultimately makes a difficult time even more challenging.

According to research from October 2021, over 10% of over 75s in the UK have not made a Will. When someone dies without leaving a Will, known as dying intestate, it hands one of their relatives a role they may not have been expecting, as an Administrator must be appointed. In this blog, we aim to clarify what an Administrator of an estate does, and we also look at the help available if you find yourself in this position.