Administering the estate of a loved one is an important responsibility following their passing. The process can be straightforward when there is a valid and up-to-date Will, but it can become more complex if there is no Will or if the Will is invalid. At Jordans Solicitors, we are here to guide you through the correct steps, whether or not a Will exists.

Estate Administration: With and Without a Will

When someone dies, their assets must be distributed. If there is a valid Will, the Executor is responsible for carrying out the deceased’s wishes. If there is no Will, or if the Will is invalid, an Administrator—usually the next of kin—must be appointed to manage the estate. In either situation, the role involves ensuring that the estate is managed correctly and in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

An estate can include everything the deceased owned, such as cash, property, personal belongings, insurance policies, pensions, and business interests.

Executor Responsibilities

As Executor, you have specific legal obligations and may be personally liable if the estate is not administered correctly. These responsibilities may include:

• Notifying relatives, close friends, and others as appropriate

• Arranging care for any children of the deceased, where necessary

• Identifying and valuing all assets within the estate

• Calculating and settling debts or liabilities such as mortgages, loans, or credit cards

• Completing inheritance tax forms and arranging payment of any inheritance tax due

• Applying for the Grant of Probate

• Making funeral arrangements and managing related payments

• Distributing the estate to beneficiaries and charities in accordance with the Will

• Preparing estate accounts (Distribution Account) to demonstrate proper administration

• Acting as Trustee if the Will establishes a Trust, for example for children under 18

How Jordans Solicitors Can Help

We provide clear, practical advice on your responsibilities, whether you are acting as an Executor under a Will or as an Administrator where there is no Will. We are available to answer your questions at every stage, and in some cases, you may wish to appoint us to act as the estate administrator on your behalf. Our approach is to keep the process as simple and stress-free as possible, maintaining regular contact and always communicating in plain English.

Contact Us

If you need support with estate administration and are unsure of the next steps, please contact our team today on 01302 365 374. We are here to help you navigate this process with confidence.