Once appointed, the role of the executor is to apply for a grant of probate, register the death, arrange the funeral, deal appropriately with the assets and liabilities and carry out the wishes of the deceased. In simple terms, this means gathering in the value of all property and cash owned, paying any debts or bills due and distributing the remainder following the terms of the will. The role also involves allocating inheritances to beneficiaries and preparing an inheritance tax return.
