Wills, Trusts & Estates · Executor & Estate Administration

Part of our wider Wills, Trusts & Estates services

Executor Support & Estate Administration

Executor Advice & Estate Administration

Being appointed as an executor is an honour — but it comes with significant legal responsibilities and personal liability. Many executors find the process overwhelming, particularly where the estate is complex or involves inheritance tax.

We advise executors on their duties and liabilities, and provide full estate administration support — from applying for probate to distributing the estate to beneficiaries. Chester-based, acting across Cheshire, North Wales and England and Wales.

SRA Regulated

Executor Liability Protection

Free Initial Consultation

Chester, Cheshire & North Wales

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No obligation — talk through your options first. Costs explained clearly.

Executor duties — what you are responsible for

As an executor, you are personally responsible for administering the estate correctly. Errors can result in personal liability — even if you acted in good faith. Many executors seek professional support to protect themselves and ensure the estate is administered properly.

Locating and valuing assets

You must identify all assets and liabilities — bank accounts, property, investments, pensions, digital assets, and debts — and obtain valuations for probate and IHT purposes.

Applying for probate

You must apply to the Probate Registry for a grant of probate — the legal authority to deal with the estate. This requires completing the IHT return and paying any inheritance tax due before the grant is issued.

Paying debts and IHT

You must pay all debts, funeral expenses, and inheritance tax before distributing the estate. You are personally liable if you distribute assets before debts are paid.

Distributing to beneficiaries

Once debts are paid and the grant obtained, you distribute the estate to the beneficiaries — keeping detailed accounts and obtaining receipts.

How we support executors

Initial executor advice

We advise you on your duties, the process, and the risks — so you understand what is involved before deciding how much support you need.

Grant of probate application

We prepare and submit the probate application, including the IHT return — advising on reliefs and exemptions that can reduce the tax payable.

Estate administration

We collect in assets, pay debts and liabilities, and prepare estate accounts — keeping you informed throughout and protecting you from personal liability.

Distribution to beneficiaries

We prepare the distribution schedule, obtain receipts from beneficiaries, and ensure the estate is wound up correctly.

Complex estate support

Where the estate involves property, business interests, foreign assets, or family disputes, we provide specialist support — including advice on IHT planning opportunities that arise during administration.

The team supporting executors

Nikolina Vukovic

Legal Executive — Wills, Trusts & Estates

Estate Administration

Nikolina specialises in probate and estate administration. She supports executors through what is often one of the most difficult and complex tasks they will face — from straightforward administrations to complex estates involving property, inheritance tax, and sensitive family circumstances.

Laura Kirton

Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified

Probate & Estate Administration

Laura is a qualified solicitor with ten years' post-qualification experience, specialising in wills, probate, and estate administration. She advises executors on their duties and liabilities — and takes on the administration work where clients need professional support.

Darren Steele

Senior Private Client Executive · STEP Member

IHT & Estate Administration

Darren advises executors on inheritance tax returns, estate valuations, and the tax aspects of estate administration — including claims for reliefs and exemptions that can reduce the IHT payable.

David Stahler

Wills, Trusts & Estates Executive

Estate Administration

David is our first point of contact for executors enquiring about estate administration support. He brings a warm, personable approach to what can be a stressful and overwhelming situation.

Common questions from executors

What are my duties as an executor?

As an executor, you are responsible for: locating and valuing all assets and liabilities; applying for a grant of probate; completing the IHT return and paying any inheritance tax due; collecting in assets; paying debts and liabilities; distributing the estate to the beneficiaries; and keeping accounts. You are personally liable for errors, so many executors seek professional support.

Can I get help with estate administration as an executor?

Yes. You can instruct a solicitor to handle all or part of the estate administration on your behalf. The costs are paid from the estate, not by you personally. Many executors find professional support invaluable — particularly where the estate is complex, involves inheritance tax, or where there are family tensions.

How long does estate administration take?

A straightforward estate can be administered in 6-12 months. Complex estates — involving property, inheritance tax, business interests, or disputes — can take significantly longer. We advise on the likely timescale at the outset and keep you informed throughout.

What happens if I make a mistake as an executor?

Executors are personally liable for errors in estate administration — including distributing assets before debts are paid, failing to pay inheritance tax correctly, or missing a beneficiary. Professional support significantly reduces this risk.