Understanding the Risks of Being an Executor

Understanding the Risks of Being an Executor

Being asked to be the Executor of a Will is something many of us consider to be quite an honour. While it’s flattering that someone trusts you enough to leave their affairs in your hands, a lot of people don’t truly understand what the role actually entails. It’s only when you’re up to your elbows in paperwork and accounts, wondering how on earth you’re supposed to make sense of all the Inheritance Tax rules, that reality bites. It’s important to understand that there are major responsibilities and risks in being an Executor – even an innocent mistake could have legal and financial implications.

What liabilities do Executors face?

Many people don’t realise that Executors can be held legally and financially liable for mistakes made during the Estate Administration process. Examples include:

  • Incorrect tax calculations: valuing all the assets of the estate correctly is a crucial part of Estate Administration. Executors need to ensure that they do not under-declare the tax liability. While HMRC do differentiate between innocent mistakes and deliberate or concealed actions in calculating tax owed by the estate, there are serious financial penalties for any errors for which the Executor can be held personally liable. Inheritance Tax can often run into tens of thousands of pounds and is penalised by HMRC on a percentage basis, so it could get very expensive indeed.
  • Not settling outstanding debts: it’s extremely important for anyone handling an estate to identify and pay off any outstanding debts before the estate is distributed. If any creditors were to subsequently come out of the woodwork, the Executor would be personally liable up to the value of the estate. Also, in the case of insolvency, there are strict rules governing the settlement of creditors – ignore them at your peril.
  • Failing to manage assets appropriately: underselling a property, losing assets, failing to maintain adequate insurance where necessary, distributing assets too early – there are many mistakes that you may inadvertently make which could result in you facing legal action. Distributing assets too early is a common issue that can be problematic, not just in terms of creditors, but also because there may be beneficiaries who subsequently make a claim. So, proceed with caution.
  • Taking sides in a dispute: this can get particularly tricky when Executors are also beneficiaries (which is often the case) as there may be a conflict of interest. As an Executor your remit is to act in the best interest of the estate, so you need to remain a neutral party in any dispute. Failure to do so could see you facing legal action and court costs. In this scenario, it’s wise to stop the administration process and seek professional advice.
  • Failing to keep accurate expenses: an Executor can claim reasonable expenses for ‘proper estate business’ but keeping accurate records and receipts is vital. Transparency is key and will help you defend yourself if you find yourself challenged by beneficiaries over your Executor expenses.

What can I do if I no longer want the responsibility of being an Executor?

If you’re a named Executor in the Will of the deceased but decide you can no longer undertake the role, you can renounce your Executorship. You need to do this before you start executing any responsibilities relating to the estate. If there is more than one Executor, the remaining Executor/s can continue with the Probate process.

Or you may want to instruct a Professional Executor to take on responsibility for administering the estate. Obviously, there are costs involved in this option, but they are often more than offset by the stress relief of not having to handle things yourself. Each case is different, so you need to decide what works best for you.

Professional Executorship services from Laurelo

We understand that being an Executor isn’t for everyone. While you may have promised a loved one that you would personally take care of everything on their death, circumstances can change. If you don’t feel you have the ability to take on the role of Executor, we can help.

At Laurelo, we offer Professional Executorship Services that give you peace of mind. Your Personal Estate Manager will take care of every step while keeping you in the loop, so you don’t have to worry about the responsibility or risks of administering the estate.

If you’d like to book your free consultation or just want to know more about our services, we’re always happy to advise. Just email us at info@laurelo.co.uk or give us a call on 0203 058 2329.

This article is intended to provide information only and does not constitute legal advice. We do not accept any responsibility for any omission or loss as a result of this article.

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Patrick and Phillipa Vickery (Executor)

"When you lose a parent it’s an emotionally challenging time. Finding people to genuinely help with the mountain of subsequent issues is not easy. We dealt with Laurelo who took care of our Probate. Communicative and easy to talk to, Laurelo took away a bunch of stress and handled a complex estate excellently. I have no doubt that his experience has saved my family a significant tax burden."

C Hardman (Executor)

"Well informed, helpful and efficient throughout the whole probate journey. I was particularly impressed by the speed of response when I had questions"

V Garner (Executor)

"Thank you for dealing with the probate so efficiently. I would not hesitate to recommend your services in the future."

J Jackson (Executor)

"It has been my absolute pleasure to have met Michael and for him to act on my behalf, a wonderful, professional,  caring person whose services I would recommend to anyone."

Peter Nash/Paula Cranmer (Executors)

"I would recommend Laurelo to anyone who needs good and sensible advice about the probate process at a very reasonable price."

A Wilson (Executor)

"I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Laurelo in what, at the outset felt like a daunting task, but in reality once explained to us and the burden of completing the forms taken away and completed by a professional the process was seamless."

Lorri Turner Senior Manager (Herongate Wood)

“I have always found Michael at Laurelo to be engaging, honest and supportive of the customers needs. The offer of a home visit to see clients within their own familiar surroundings further supports this. I have no difficulty in recommending their services."

G Perrett Will Protect Ltd & Executor

“Michael's professionalism and knowledge of every aspect of probate is only matched by his sensitivity and patience. He instinctively knows what to say and when to say it and I am so grateful to him for helping me navigate the most difficult period of my life so far safe in the knowledge that I could simply "park" this part of the process and leave it with him to "sort out"."

K Whittle (Executor)

“They provided a professional and emphatic approach and took all the stress away from dealing with probate. Filing the forms very promptly and the whole process was dealt with in just over a month. I would highly recommend and I again thank them for their help."

Mr. A Browne (Executor)

The pricing point is good and in line with a few others, we found however for the service we received I do not think we could have put a price on it.

We would wholeheartedly recommend Michael and his team."

John F Smith (Executor)

“I was most satisfied with the service he provided, and his gentle and considerate manner was most comforting at a difficult time in my life."

Robert Evans (Executor)

“I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to Michael for the way in which he managed the probate arrangements at what was a very difficult time for myself and the family. Whilst always professional and efficient he was very sensitive and supportive - explaining things clearly and making the whole process (which was totally new to us) that much more straightforward. It took a load off our minds and he progressed things really quickly Thank you"

Here at Laurelo, we're committed to our clients and their path to probate

Here at Laurelo, we're committed to our clients and their path to probate