What are the tasks of the executors in administering the estate?

An executor must: 

• find out what estate the deceased possessed in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and elsewhere in relation to: 
  
  • the home, other buildings or land.
  • household goods and personal possessions.
  • stocks and shares. 
  
  
• compile a full list (inventory) with the value of each item. (The value used for Inheritance Tax and Confirmation purposes is the open market value at the date of death.) 
  
  
• obtain Confirmation from the local Sheriff Court (which gives authority to act as executor).
  
  
• collect in the various assets belonging to the estate and to sell what needs to be sold in order to pay:
  
  • debts. 
  • funeral expenses. 
  • other expenses.
  • Inheritance Tax.
  
  
• distribute the estate to those entitled beneficiaries (in accordance with either the will of the "Rules of Intestacy").