What executors do
The role of the executor is to manage the estate of a deceased person within the terms of the will and to protect the assets of the estate.
Responsibilities of an executor
The executor manages the deceased's estate within the terms of the will. Their responsibilities can include:
- finding the will
- making funeral arrangements
- getting the death certificate
- verifying assets and liabilities
- obtaining probate (if required)
- paying the person’s debts, income tax, duties and funeral costs
- distributing the assets according to the terms of the will.
Learn more about what you need to do if you're the executor of an estate.
Turning down the role of executor
If you intend to turn down the role of executor you should do this as soon as possible. There can be difficulties with turning down the role once you have already started to undertake the duties of the executor.
If you are named as an executor and you do not want to act as executor, you should get legal advice or contact NSW Trustee & Guardian.
If you are a beneficiary under a will, next of kin or relative of the person who died, and the executor is unable or unwilling to apply for probate, you should get legal advice.
Learn more about what happens if an executor is unwilling or unable to act at LawAccess NSW.