When It Applies

Not For

• Acting as executor before authority is granted, distributing estate assets, calculating final accounts, or resolving disputes without estate-specific advice.

Documents

• Death certificate
• Will or codicil
• Letters of executorship
• Letters of authority
• Master correspondence
• Estate inventory
• Asset list
• Creditor claims
• Beneficiary details
• Marriage or divorce records
• Tax records
• Question list

Timeline

• Before acting: confirm authority and urgent preservation needs.
• Before consultation: collect will, Master, asset, debt, family, and creditor records.
• During consultation: confirm duties, allowed actions, accounts, and fee scope.
• Afterwards: keep an estate action log and calendar key dates.

Tips

• Separate nominated executor status from formal appointment.
• Do not distribute assets before authority and approval are clear.
• Keep receipts and estate expenses in date order.
• Record every communication with beneficiaries, creditors, and the Master.

Warning Signs

• There is no clear authority yet.
• Beneficiaries or creditors are pressuring for payment.
• Estate assets are at risk, uninsured, occupied, or being removed.
• There are objections, missing heirs, foreign assets, business interests, tax issues, or maintenance claims.