Executries consumer checklist

Checklist for your appointment: Executry

Before your first appointment

Find out the cost and time for the first appointment Prepare a note of your questions and what you’d like the solicitor to do
Gather copies of relevant documents, which might include:

  • The original or copy of the will
  • Any separate document recording an expression of wishes
  • Details of anyone named in the will
  • Relevant names / addresses of executor(s)
  • Any of the deceased person’s personal documents relating to properly, finances, cars, insurance policies or pensions
  • Copies of any correspondence showing queries about an ongoing estate

Possible points to discuss at your first appointment

  • What is my position, and what are my options
  • What is the financial situation with the estate
  • How will any fees be charged, and is there an automatic assessment of fees
  • What other costs must be paid
  • Who else is likely to have to take on any work, and who will arrange for that
  • Is a deposit required, and what are the payment arrangements for fees and costs
  • Is there anything more that the solicitor needs from me now
  • Do I need to pass on any information to anyone else

What next?

  • Tell the solicitor if you need more time to consider your options, and agree a date when you’ll confirm what you want to do next
  • Check when you will get the terms of business, and make sure to read them and query anything you don’t understand
  • Discuss whether you want to approve any drafts of letters before they are sent out
  • Agree who takes responsibility for specific tasks (for instance, getting funeral invoices / enquiries with insurance companies / insurance quotations for property)
  • Agree when you will get progress reports on both the work and the costs
  • Discuss what will happen next. If you’re an executor, your solicitor will probably explain your responsibilities, and the order in which the work needs to be done. If you’re querying work done by another executor, your solicitor can outline your options to move forward.

Make a note of any other questions or points that you need to remember

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