I am an executor – what do I have to do?

You may find yourself responsible for dealing with someone’s estate if they have chosen you as the Executor or joint Executor in their Will.

Your role is one of trust and responsibility, as you are being asked to act as a personal representative to administer the estate of the person in accordance with the terms of their Will after their death.

Examples of some of the tasks of an Executor:

Collect the Will and register the death (within 5 days)
Secure any property or valuables of the deceased
Make arrangements with a local Funeral Director
Check to see if the funeral has been pre-paid
Get valuations of all assets at date of death
Collect all the forms from the probate registry
Return the completed forms with the Will and death certificate
An appointment is set for you to swear an affidavit
The Grant arrives and you can begin cashing in all assets
Pay off any outstanding debts, funeral bill etc
Pay any legacies and gifts mentioned in the Will
Distribute the residuary estate