Wills, trusts and probate

Acting as an executor

Help with probate and estate administration, handled properly and respectfully, from advice only to a fully managed service.

Make an enquiry Call 01543 263 456

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Your wills, trusts and probate team

In short

An executor is the person named in a will to deal with the estate of someone who has died: collecting information, settling liabilities and distributing assets in line with the will. Ansons Law's wills and probate team explains your responsibilities, applies for the grant of probate where it is needed and takes on as much of the administration as you would like. Our typical fee for full administration starts at £2,000 plus VAT where there is a will and no inheritance tax to pay.

Head of wills, probate and trusts: David Lane, Director
Full administration from: £2,000 + VAT (will present, no inheritance tax)
Grant application only from: £1,250 + VAT (will present, no inheritance tax)
Our service: From advice only to fully managed estate administration
Price information: Our published fees and timescales

What does an executor need to do?

An executor is the person named in a will to deal with the estate of someone who has died. Executors are responsible for collecting information about the estate, dealing with the paperwork and making sure assets are distributed correctly.

This usually includes locating the will, identifying assets and liabilities, valuing the estate, settling debts and distributing assets to the beneficiaries. The exact steps depend on the estate and whether probate is required.

Being an executor can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with bereavement at the same time. If you have been appointed as an executor, you do not have to do this alone.

When is probate needed?

Probate is the legal authority that allows executors to deal with certain assets. Whether you need a grant of probate depends on the type of assets held and how they are owned: some assets pass automatically, while others require probate before they can be collected or transferred.

We can quickly assess the position and advise whether probate is required and what information is needed for the application. If there is no will, the estate is usually dealt with under intestacy rules and an application for letters of administration may be required.

How much of the work can we take on?

As much as you would like us to, from advice only through to a fully managed service. If probate is required, the application must be prepared accurately and supported with the right information, and we guide you through what needs to happen.

Clarity on what to do next. We explain the process and your responsibilities in plain English.
Accurate applications and paperwork. We help avoid mistakes that can cause delay and additional stress.
Support with valuations and information gathering. Guidance on what is needed and how to obtain it.
Inheritance tax and estate reporting. Advice and preparation support where required.
Managed estate administration if you want it. We can handle the work end to end, or support you with specific tasks.
Sensitive, professional communication. Support to reduce friction and uncertainty with beneficiaries and other parties.

What we do

What executor support can include

We help you understand what is required, meet deadlines and avoid common issues.

Confirming whether probate is needed
Advice on your role and legal responsibilities as executor
Gathering estate information and valuations
Preparing inheritance tax and probate paperwork where required
Applying for the grant of probate
Collecting in assets and settling liabilities
Estate accounts and distribution to beneficiaries
Dealing with missing documents or complex circumstances
Communication support to reduce stress and uncertainty

Step by step

What an executor does, step by step

The exact steps depend on the estate and whether probate is required. We can take on as much of the work as you would like.

Find the will
Locate the will and start collecting information about the estate.
Identify and value the estate
Identify the assets and liabilities and gather valuations, including for inheritance tax where required.
Apply for probate if needed
Whether a grant of probate is needed depends on the assets and how they are owned. If it is, the application must be prepared accurately.
Collect assets and settle debts
Collect in the assets and settle the estate's debts and liabilities.
Distribute the estate
Prepare the estate accounts and distribute the assets to the beneficiaries in line with the will.

Fees

What estate administration costs

Our typical fees for probate and estate administration, for uncontested estates where all the assets are in the UK, excluding VAT:

Scenario	Grant application only	Full administration
Will present, no inheritance tax payable	from £1,250	from £2,000
No will, no inheritance tax payable	from £1,500	from £2,250
Will present, inheritance tax payable	from £2,500	from £4,000
No will, inheritance tax payable	from £3,000	from £4,500

We always give you a tailored estimate once we have enough information about the estate.

Typical timescales, third-party costs and what can affect the fee are on our pricing information page.

Ask for an estimate

Questions

Questions about acting as an executor

What is an executor?

An executor is the person named in a will to deal with the estate of someone who has died. Their role is to collect information, settle liabilities and distribute assets in line with the will.

Do I have to act as executor?

Not always. If you have been appointed and you are unsure, we can talk through your options and what it means in practice.

How long does probate take?

Timescales vary depending on the estate and whether inheritance tax reporting is required. We can give you a clearer view once we understand the basics of the estate. Our typical timescales are on our pricing information page.

When is a grant of probate needed?

It depends on the assets involved and how they are owned. Some assets pass automatically, while others require probate before they can be collected or transferred.

What if there is no will?

The estate is usually dealt with under intestacy rules, and an application for letters of administration may be required. We can advise on the right steps.

Can you handle the estate administration for me?

Yes. We can support you with specific parts of the process or manage the work end to end, depending on what you prefer.

How much does estate administration cost?

Our typical fees, excluding VAT, start at £2,000 for full estate administration where there is a will and no inheritance tax to pay, and at £1,250 if you only need the grant application. Estates without a will, or where inheritance tax is payable, cost more. We give you a tailored estimate once we know about the estate.