Executor's Checklist / Oath (UK)

Full Name of Deceased *

Date of Death *

Date of Birth

Last Known Address

Marital Status at Time of Death

Executor Full Name *

Executor Address *

Executor Email

Additional Executor

Note: Under the Administration of Estates Act 1925, a maximum of four executors may act in relation to any one estate. Where there is a life interest, at least two executors (or a trust corporation) are required.

Date of Will

Leave blank if no will exists (intestacy)

Codicils

Solicitor Instructed

Type of Probate Application

A Grant of Probate is issued where the deceased left a valid will. Letters of Administration apply where there is no will (intestacy) under the Intestates' Estates Act 1952.

Estimated Gross Estate Value (GBP)

Total value of all assets before deduction of debts. If over 325,000 GBP (nil-rate band), IHT may be payable.

Important: IHT must be reported to HMRC within 6 months of the date of death (Inheritance Tax Act 1984, s.216). Late filing may attract penalties and interest. Estates exceeding the nil-rate band (currently 325,000 GBP) must file form IHT400; smaller estates may use the simpler IHT205.

Immediate Actions (tick when completed)

Note: The death must be registered within 5 days in England and Wales (Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953). You can use the government's Tell Us Once service to notify multiple agencies at the same time.

Estate Administration (tick when completed)

Important: Under s.27 Trustee Act 1925 you must place statutory notices in the London Gazette (and a local newspaper for land) and wait at least 2 months before distributing. This protects you from personal liability for unknown creditors' claims. Without these notices, executors may be personally liable for debts they were unaware of.

Notes

Governing Law

Probate and succession laws differ across UK jurisdictions. England and Wales follow the Administration of Estates Act 1925 and the Senior Courts Act 1981.

Required: Executors have a personal and fiduciary duty under the Trustee Act 2000. You may be held personally liable for losses caused by negligence, failure to account, or distributing the estate without proper notice to creditors. The Limitation Act 1980 (s.22) allows estate claims to be brought up to 12 years after the date of death. Consider obtaining professional legal advice if the estate is complex or contested.