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Receiving the grant of probate is a significant milestone — but it is the beginning of the active estate administration phase, not the end. From this point, the executor has legal authority to collect assets, pay debts, manage tax, and ultimately distribute the estate. This checklist covers the key tasks in order.
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One of the first things an executor should do after receiving the grant is place a statutory advertisement in The Gazette (the Official Public Record) and, if relevant, a local newspaper. This notice invites creditors to come forward within a specified period (typically 2 months).
The purpose is to protect the executor from personal liability for unknown debts. If a creditor comes forward after the estate has been distributed, and The Gazette notice was placed, the executor is generally protected — the creditor's claim falls against the beneficiaries who received more than their share.
This step is not legally mandatory, but it is standard practice and strongly recommended. The Gazette online service handles the advertisement.
You will need to provide certified copies of the grant of probate to banks, investment managers, pension trustees, and other institutions. Order sufficient copies when receiving the grant — each copy currently costs £1.50 from the Probate Registry.
A single certified copy per institution is usually sufficient, but some institutions require the original. Order 10–15 copies for a typical estate with multiple asset holders.
If not already done, open a dedicated estate bank account. All estate income, asset proceeds, and distributions should flow through this account. This makes accounting clear and protects the executor from mixing estate and personal funds.
Most high-street banks offer an executor account. The account is opened in the executor's name "as executor of the estate of [deceased]". The grant of probate is required.
This is the core task of administration. See our guide to collecting assets after probate for the practical sequence. In summary:
Once assets are collected, pay all estate debts in the correct order of priority. This includes:
For the priority order, see our debts after death guide.
The estate is a separate tax entity during administration. Any income earned by the estate (bank interest, rental income, dividends) must be accounted for. An SA900 trust and estate tax return may be required. See our income tax during estate administration guide and SA900 guide.
If any estate assets are sold at a gain above the probate value, CGT may be payable. Property sales within 36 months may qualify for main residence relief. Report and pay CGT within 60 days of completion for property sales. See our CGT on inherited assets guide.
Before distributing, prepare formal estate accounts — a summary of all assets collected, debts paid, and the residue available for distribution. These are provided to beneficiaries for approval. See our estate accounts guide.
Once all debts are paid, tax is resolved, and accounts are approved:
Once distribution is complete, close the estate bank account and retain all records for at least 12 years. The executor's liability persists even after distribution — see our guide to stepping down as executor.
For the full probate process, see our complete UK probate guide 2026 and estate administration checklist. Farra can help — get started here.
The most efficient order for collecting estate assets after probate: bank accounts first, then investments, then property. Use the Death Notification Service. UK executor guide.
The estate is a separate tax entity during administration. Any income over £500 requires an SA900 return. Understand the rates, R185 forms, and HMRC registration. UK 2026.
The SA900 is the annual income tax return for estates during administration. Understand when it is required, how to register for a UTR, and the key sections. UK 2026 guide.
Obtaining signed receipts from beneficiaries after distribution protects the executor from future claims. Understand what a receipt must include and how to handle refusals. UK.
Estate accounts are a formal summary of all assets, debts, and residue — prepared before distribution and presented to beneficiaries for approval. UK executor guide.
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