Weeks 1–4: Immediate Steps
- ✓ Register the death and obtain death certificates (order at least 10 official copies)
- ✓ Locate and safeguard the original will
- ✓ Arrange the funeral (executors are not personally required to do this, but typically assist)
- ✓ Secure property — change locks if unoccupied, notify insurer, redirect post
- ✓ Notify key institutions of the death (banks, pension providers, DVLA, utility companies)
- ✓ Use the government's Tell Us Once service to notify multiple departments simultaneously
- ✓ Identify all assets and liabilities — request date-of-death balances from banks
See our estate administration checklist for a comprehensive overview of every task.
Months 1–3: Valuation and Probate Application
- ✓ Obtain professional property valuations (RICS surveyor for property)
- ✓ Value all investments, shares, and ISAs at date of death
- ✓ Value all personal chattels (jewellery, vehicles, furniture) — items over £1,500 individually
- ✓ Identify all gifts made in the 7 years before death (relevant to IHT)
- ✓ Report the estate for inheritance tax (excepted estates report within the application; otherwise IHT400/IHT421)
- ✓ Submit probate application (Form PA1P) to the Probate Registry
- ✓ Pay probate fee (£526 for estates over £5,000)
For the application process in detail, see our guide on applying for probate and our probate documents checklist.
Month 6: The Critical IHT Deadline
IHT must be paid to HMRC within 6 months of the end of the month of death. Missing this deadline triggers interest at 7.5% per annum (2026 rate) on the unpaid tax — a significant cost.
- ✓ Pay inheritance tax — use estate funds or a bank loan on the estate before probate if needed (banks may release funds to pay IHT before probate)
- ✓ Chase probate application if not yet received (average processing time 8–16 weeks in 2026)
- ✓ Publish creditor notice in London Gazette to begin the 2-month waiting period
See our guide on probate delays and IHT interest and our inheritance tax guide 2026–27.
Months 6–9: Collecting Assets and Paying Debts
- ✓ Receive Grant of Probate (if not already received)
- ✓ Send certified copies of the Grant to banks, investment houses, and other asset holders
- ✓ Open an executor's bank account to hold estate funds
- ✓ Close the deceased's accounts and transfer balances to the executor's account
- ✓ Sell investments or transfer to beneficiaries as directed by the will
- ✓ Pay all debts in the correct priority order. See our guide on debts after death
- ✓ Begin the sale of property if required
Month 12: The Executor's Year Expires
- ✓ Creditor advertisement period (2 months) should have expired — distribute confidently now
- ✓ Prepare estate accounts showing all income and expenditure. See our guide on executor duty to account
- ✓ Share estate accounts with beneficiaries and seek their approval
- ✓ Make specific legacy distributions (gifts of money or specific items)
- ✓ File the deceased's final income tax return
After 12 months, beneficiaries entitled to residue may apply to court if you have not distributed. Make sure you have a clear reason for any delay and communicate it. See our guide on the executor's year.
Months 12–18: Final Distribution and Close
- ✓ Complete sale or transfer of property
- ✓ Make residuary distributions to beneficiaries by bank transfer
- ✓ Obtain signed receipts from all beneficiaries confirming they have received their entitlement
- ✓ File estate tax returns (income arising in the administration period)
- ✓ Obtain HMRC clearance certificate confirming all tax obligations are discharged
- ✓ Close the executor's bank account
- ✓ Retain all estate documents for at least 20 years
When Estates Take Longer
Complex estates — those involving overseas property, business interests, contested wills, or missing beneficiaries — routinely take 18–36 months. This is not a failure of administration, provided the executor is actively progressing the estate.
For specific complications, see our guides on:
For a deeper overview, see the complete UK probate guide.