SimplyChecklists.com

... A good plan starts with a good checklist ...

Print Here
	Printer friendly checklist(pdf)

Basic Responsibilities of Executor or Personal Representative

From experience I will tell you that being an Executor or Personal Representative is one of the hardest jobs you will ever do. During an emotional time you will be responsible for tasks that will be time consuming and take organization skills and an attention to detail.

You will be required to follow specific legal procedures whether the decedent left a Will, Living Trust or other estate documents, which is why our checklist includes seeking legal counsel. Depending on state and federal requirement and the complexity of the decedent’s estate, an attorney can direct you regarding additional requirements not included in this basic responsibility checklist.

	Carry out deceased’s instructions for funeral services and burial arrangements
	Send thank you notes for flowers, gifts and donations
	Obtain a number of original death certificates (these will be needed for legal notifications)
	Obtain and read the Will, Living Trust and other important papers
	Meet with attorney to review legal procedures for handling Will/ Living Trust/Estate. Make a list of the legal procedures that are required and determine which requirements you feel comfortable handling and which items the attorney will complete. (See Miscellaneous/Other, Blank Checklist)
	Obtain a cost estimate for items attorney will be handling.
	Arrange for the immediate needs of survivors
	Secure deceased’s properties/assets
	Identify deceased’s assets and liabilities
	Ascertain value of assets at time of death
	Redirect mail
	Disconnect phone, cable, utilities, mortgage holders, property insurance companies
	Notify banks and financial institutions
	Obtain contents from safe deposit boxes
	Close bank accounts
	Set up estate bank accounts for bill payment, liquid asset investment and/or receipt of funds
	Complete required notifications to heirs and beneficiaries per attorney’s direction
	Pay liabilities in priority as determined by law
	Identify when creditors’ time period ends whether you or the attorney will be notifying creditors
	Complete (or have an accountant complete) tax returns for the deceased and estate (including if applicable taxable gains forms to heirs)
	Obtain a cost estimate for tax returns accountant will be completing
	Contact life insurance companies
	Contact health and long-term care insurance companies
	Contact Social Security
	Contact retirement/pension fund administrators
	Contact financial/investment firms
	Contact credit/debit card companies
	Contact credit reporting agencies
	Contact driver’s bureau
	Contact electoral offices
	Contact passport offices
	Contact other service providers of deceased
	Maintain a full accounting
	Value of assets at time of death
	Value of assets at time of disbursement
	Expenses paid from deceased’s funds
	Income received from pensions, life insurance, etc.
	Copies of all reports, correspondence and actions taken
	Sell or transfer deceased’s assets as specified in legal documents
	Distribute assets as specified in estate documents when legal requirements are complete
	Review your list of responsibilities you previously agreed to handle after meeting with attorney to make sure all duties are complete
	Review your list of responsibilities the attorney was hired to handle to make sure all items are complete
	Retain files for time period required by law