Appointed Executor: Your Step-by-Step Probate Plan

The plan

Every step at a glance

  1. Stage 0 · Welcome

    ±10 minFree

    A short look at the whole journey ahead and the very first thing you can do today.

  2. Stage 1 · The first days

    ±40 minFree

    Register the death, get the paperwork you need and take care of the most urgent practical matters.

  3. Stage 2 · Find the will and confirm your role

    ±40 min🔒

    Locate the will, read it carefully and confirm you are the executor and who inherits.

    • Find the will
    • Read the will carefully
    • Confirm you are the executor
    • Note the beneficiaries and any legacies
    • Checkpoint 1 — see how far you've come
  4. Stage 3 · List everything the person owned and owed

    ±50 min🔒

    Build a clear picture of the estate by finding every asset and every debt.

    • Track down the bank accounts and savings
    • List property and belongings
    • Find investments, pensions and insurance
    • List all the debts
    • Place a deceased estates notice
  5. Stage 4 · Sort out the tax and value the estate

    ±40 min🔒

    Work out the value of the estate and handle any Inheritance Tax before you apply.

    • Add up the value of the estate
    • Check if Inheritance Tax is due
    • Complete the right tax forms
    • Arrange any tax payment
    • Checkpoint 2 — see how far you've come
  6. Stage 5 · Apply for probate

    ±40 min🔒

    Complete and submit the probate application and receive the grant.

    • Prepare your probate application
    • Submit the application
    • Confirm your statement of truth
    • Receive the grant of probate
  7. Stage 6 · Gather in the estate and pay what is owed

    ±40 min🔒

    Collect the money and property, settle the debts and keep clear records.

    • Collect the money and close accounts
    • Deal with the property
    • Pay off the debts
    • Keep clear estate accounts
  8. Stage 7 · Share out and close down

    ±40 min🔒

    Pay the beneficiaries, prepare the final accounts and bring everything to a tidy close.

    • Pay any specific legacies
    • Prepare the final estate accounts
    • Share out the remaining estate
    • Close everything down

The complete plan is a one-off £29 unlock every step.