If there is no Will
The executors, or administrators, if there is no Will, will then be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:-
-Registering the death and arranging the funeral.
-Updating property insurance.
-Contacting utility companies to freeze accounts.
-Valuing the estate of the deceased.
-Ascertaining all liabilities.
-Placing notices for creditors.
-Submitting inheritance tax returns and paying any inheritance- tax (if taxable).
-Submitting an application to the probate registry to obtain a -Grant of Representation. The Grant of Representation is the piece of paper that will allow the executors or administrators to realise assets.
-Collect in assets/sell property.
-Pay any liabilities.
-Settle any specific legacies or bequests.
-Liaise with the HMRC and DWP to ensure that all matters have been settled.
-Prepare estate accounts.
-Distribute the estate potential beneficiaries. A genealogist may need to be appointed.