What is the role of the executor or administrator?
The role of the executor or administrator is to deal with the estate of the deceased after death. Duties of the executor or administrator include: • Making funeral arrangements. • Determing the extent of the estate and taking control of the assets of the estate. • Keeping property insured until sale or distribution. • Advising financial institutions and other relevant organisations, including Centrelink and any pension fund, of the deceased’s death. • Obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration. • Acting impartially and in the best interest of all beneficiaries. • Dealing with all estate liabilities and disputes. This can involve waiting for the expiration of the six month period after the grant of probate during which claims against the estate can be commenced. • Arranging for tax returns and payment of any tax liability. • Distributing the assets of the estate or the proceeds of sale of the assets to the beneficiaries. • Investing funds or managing the assets of the est
