You've been named executor. Here's what to do next.
A step-by-step guide, a spreadsheet that keeps track for you, and the letters you'll need to send. For estates in England and Wales.
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Most estates in England and Wales are sorted out by family, not solicitors. It's rarely difficult. But the information is scattered across dozens of GOV.UK pages, the order you do things in matters, and it usually lands on you at the worst possible time.
So we've put it all in one place, in the order you'll need it, with the letters and records you'd otherwise have to make yourself. Every figure was checked against GOV.UK in September 2026, including the new £526 probate fee.
What happens, and when
A straightforward estate usually takes nine to twelve months. Here's the shape of it. The guide takes you through each stage in detail.
- First fortnightThe urgent thingsRegister the death within five days of the medical examiner's go-ahead, find the will, arrange the funeral, and use Tell Us Once to notify government departments.
- Weeks 2–8Find out what there isWrite to every bank, pension and insurer for the balance on the date of death, and ask whether they'll need probate.
- Months 1–3Value the estateAdd it all up and check whether Inheritance Tax is due. Most estates don't pay any, but you still need the figures.
- Months 2–4Apply for probateUsually online. The grant tends to arrive within about twelve weeks.
- Months 4–10Collect in and pay what's owedClose accounts, sell or transfer the house, and advertise for creditors before paying anyone out.
- Months 8–12Share it out and closePay the beneficiaries, get receipts, and sign off the final estate accounts.
What's in the kit
- The guide
- 37 pages, from the first week to the final signature. It explains what to do and why, flags the mistakes that can leave executors out of pocket, and tells you honestly when to get a solicitor.
- The Estate Tracker
- A spreadsheet for everything the person owned and owed. It works out the five figures the online probate form asks for, counts down your deadlines, and builds the final accounts for everyone to sign. Works in Excel, Google Sheets and Numbers.
- 22 letters
- Ready to send to banks, pension providers, the council, utilities, insurers, landlords, creditors and beneficiaries. Fill in the highlighted bits, print and sign.
- Printable checklists
- The first fortnight, the documents to gather, and every key date on one sheet.
Questions
Is this legal advice?
No. It's practical guidance based on official GOV.UK information. If an estate is disputed, can't pay its debts, or involves trusts, a business or property abroad, the guide says so plainly and suggests you speak to a solicitor.
Does it cover Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No, only England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems.
What if there's no will?
That's covered. The guide explains who can apply to deal with the estate and who inherits under the law.
How up to date is it?
Every figure was checked against GOV.UK on 22 September 2026. That includes the £526 probate fee from July 2026 and the pension changes coming in April 2027. The date is printed on every file.
How do I get it, and what if something's wrong?
You go straight to a download page after paying, and get a receipt by email. Because it's an instant download, you can't cancel once it's started. But if a file is faulty or isn't what we described, email us and we'll put it right or refund you. See the refund policy.
Something else? Email us at support@estateinorder.co.uk.
The Executor's Companion
The guide, the Estate Tracker, 22 letters and the checklists, for estates in England and Wales.
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