Being named executor is one of the most important responsibilities someone can give you — and one of the most overwhelming. Most executors have never done this before, and the learning curve hits at the worst possible time: while you're grieving.
This checklist gives you a prioritized sequence for the first 30 days. Not everything applies to every estate, but this is the order things generally need to happen.
Week 1: Immediate Priorities
☐Locate the original will and any trust documents. Check the deceased's home, safe deposit box, attorney's office, and files.
☐Order 10–15 certified copies of the death certificate from the funeral home or vital records office. You will need these for banks, insurance, courts, and title transfers.
☐Secure the deceased's property. Lock the home, collect mail, secure valuables. If there's a vacant property, consider changing locks.
☐Notify the deceased's employer, if applicable. Ask about final paychecks, life insurance, and retirement benefits.
☐Contact the deceased's attorney, if they had one. The attorney may hold original documents and can advise on the estate.
☐Notify Social Security (1-800-772-1213) of the death. If the deceased was receiving benefits, overpayments must be returned.
☐Contact the deceased's bank(s) to freeze accounts and prevent unauthorized withdrawals. Bring a death certificate.
☐Notify the post office and arrange mail forwarding to your address.
Week 2: Legal and Financial Setup
☐Consult a probate attorney if the estate is complex (real estate in multiple states, business interests, debts exceeding assets, potential contests).
☐Determine if probate is required. Small estates may qualify for simplified procedures. Check your state's threshold.
☐If probate is needed, file the will with the local probate court and petition for appointment as executor/personal representative.
☐Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for the estate from the IRS. You'll need this to open an estate bank account. Apply free at irs.gov.
☐Open an estate checking account. All estate income and expenses should flow through this account — never your personal account.
☐Notify all financial institutions: banks, brokerage firms, retirement accounts, insurance companies. Provide death certificates.
☐Contact the deceased's insurance companies — life, health, auto, homeowners. File life insurance claims.
☐Inventory all real property: deeds, mortgages, property tax status, insurance coverage.
Week 3: Notifications and Inventory
☐Notify all beneficiaries named in the will. In most states, this is a legal requirement with a deadline.
☐Send formal notice to known creditors. Many states also require publishing a notice to unknown creditors in a local newspaper.
☐Begin a complete asset inventory: bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, real estate, vehicles, personal property, digital assets.
☐Begin a complete debt inventory: mortgage, credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, taxes owed.
☐Cancel credit cards, subscriptions, and recurring charges. Keep records of each cancellation.
☐Redirect or cancel utilities, phone, internet, and streaming services.
☐Secure digital assets: email accounts, social media, cryptocurrency wallets, cloud storage.
☐Contact the DMV about vehicles — titles may need to be transferred or vehicles may need to be insured under the estate.
Week 4: Get Organized for the Long Haul
☐Create a spreadsheet or ledger tracking every dollar in and out of the estate. Courts require a full accounting.
☐File the deceased's final income tax return (due April 15 of the following year). You may need their prior returns for reference.
☐Determine if a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required. As of 2024, the federal exemption is $13.61 million — but this figure is adjusted annually for inflation. Check irs.gov for the current year's threshold. Some states have their own estate or inheritance taxes with much lower thresholds.
☐Establish a system for tracking correspondence — every letter, email, and decision you make as executor should be documented.
☐If the estate owns a business, contact the business attorney and accountant. Business continuation or sale is a separate workstream.
☐If the deceased was receiving Veterans benefits, notify the VA.
☐Begin getting appraisals on real estate and high-value personal property. You'll need fair market value as of the date of death.
☐Set expectations with beneficiaries about timeline. Probate typically takes 6–18 months depending on the state and complexity.
Key point: Keep every receipt. Log every decision. An executor who can't account for estate funds can be held personally liable. When in doubt, get a receipt, get it in writing, and get professional advice.
Disclaimer. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Estate laws vary by state and situation. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for guidance specific to your circumstances.