Most of an executor’s early work is detective work: finding the documents that show what the person owned, what they owed and what they wanted. Do this thoroughly and the rest of the process runs far more smoothly. Do it in a rush and you end up requesting the same statement three times. Here is what to collect.
The core documents
- The will, and any codicils that change it. This confirms you are the executor and who inherits.
- The death certificate, with several certified copies.
- Any letter of wishes or funeral instructions.
If you cannot find a will, check with the person’s solicitor, bank and any will-storage service before assuming there is none.
The money picture
- Bank and building society statements for current and savings accounts.
- ISAs, investments, Premium Bonds and share certificates or holdings.
- Pension paperwork, both state and private, as some pay a lump sum on death.
- Life insurance policies.
- The latest tax records and any correspondence from HMRC.
Property and possessions
- Title deeds or Land Registry details for any property, and whether it was owned solely or jointly.
- Vehicle documents.
- Valuations for anything of significant value, such as jewellery or a collection.
What was owed
- Mortgage and loan statements.
- Credit card and other borrowing.
- Utility and council tax accounts.
- Any outstanding bills.
Debts matter as much as assets, because the estate settles what is owed before anything is distributed.
Keep it in one organised place
As you gather, keep everything together and note where each item came from, so you can find it again and hand a clear picture to a solicitor if you use one. A simple index of what you hold, and what you are still chasing, keeps the whole job manageable. This is precisely the record FamilySafe is built to hold, so an executor is not starting from a shoebox of letters.
Frequently asked questions
What if I cannot find the will?
Check with the person’s solicitor, bank and any will-storage service, and search the home thoroughly. If there is genuinely no valid will, the estate is dealt with under the rules of intestacy.
Do I need originals or are copies fine?
You need the original will. For most other things a certified copy of the death certificate and clear copies of statements are enough, though some organisations ask to see originals.
How long should I keep everything?
Keep the estate paperwork for several years after the estate is settled, as questions can arise later, particularly around tax.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Applying for probate, and Valuing the estate of someone who has died
- HMRC guidance on inheritance tax
Reviewed by a probate paralegal (name to be assigned). Last reviewed: [set on publish]. This is general information, not legal advice and does not replace probate administration by a qualified professional.
