What is my role as executor of an estate?
As executor, you must first locate the will and contact beneficiaries as soon as possible. The will may contain funeral instructions or there may be estate matters requiring urgent attention. The deceased’s family usually handles funeral arrangements in consultation with the executor. Generally, as executor you are responsible to take steps to collect and protect the property of the deceased. This may involve storing valuables such as jewellery, ornaments or paintings, or investing surplus funds. Importantly, all property should be insured, as the executor is personally liable for the security of assets. As executor you must confirm all assets and debts of the estate. This requires writing to financial institutions, government departments, relevant companies, searching records (especially Lands Titles Office), and may also require the preparation of an inventory of household furniture and personal effects. You should notify all relevant government agencies of the death of the deceased
