Just Became an Executor? What to Do in the First Few Weeks

If you have just found out you are someone's executor, you are probably feeling two things at once: grief, and the quiet panic of not knowing where to start. Take a breath. Almost nothing has to happen today, and the job is more manageable than it looks once you break it into steps.

First, the things that genuinely come first

In the early days, the practical priorities are usually about people and security rather than paperwork. That tends to mean attending to the funeral and immediate wishes, making sure any property and pets are safe and cared for, and locating the original will so you know what you are actually working with. The rest can wait a little.

Then, build your picture before you act

Before contacting institutions, it helps to gather a picture of what exists: bank accounts, superannuation, insurance policies, property, shares, debts, and the everyday subscriptions and digital accounts that quietly keep running. You cannot notify or manage what you have not yet found, and this stage is where most executors lose the most time, because the information is scattered or unknown.

Notifying, protecting, and keeping records

As the picture comes together, the work becomes a series of steady tasks: notifying the relevant organisations, keeping what the person owned safe and insured until it is dealt with, settling debts and any final tax, and eventually distributing things according to the will. Through all of it, keep clear records of what you do and any money you spend, because you may need to account for it later.

You do not have to do it alone

Plenty of executors handle an estate themselves. Others bring in a solicitor or an accountant, especially when probate is involved or the estate is complex. There is no prize for struggling through the hard parts unassisted, and asking a professional a specific question is often the cheapest time you will spend.

A free roadmap to follow

We built the free Executor Toolkit for exactly this moment: a Day 1 to Month 12 roadmap, with notification letters you can adapt and an expense tracker to keep your records straight. It will not replace professional advice where you need it, but it gives you an order to work in instead of a blank page.

Download the free Executor Toolkit here.

And if reading this has made you think about your own family, The Estate Organiser is the one place to record everything so that, one day, nobody has to start from a blank page on your behalf.

Common questions in the first two weeks

Can the bank account really freeze?

Yes, it can. Once a bank is told someone has died, that person's accounts can be frozen, even the everyday ones. The mortgage, the bills and the direct debits keep going, so it is worth asking the bank early how the essential costs can be covered in the meantime.

Do Centrelink payments stop on their own?

Not always. Payments can keep landing after a person has died, and the family is later asked to repay the overpayment. Notifying Centrelink promptly helps avoid a debt nobody saw coming.

Should I pay the estate's debts out of my own pocket?

Generally no. The estate settles its debts in the right order, debts and tax before anyone inherits. Paying out of your own money, or handing things out too early, can create problems for you as executor.

When should I see a solicitor?

If there is property, a family dispute, a business, or anything that feels complex, it is worth speaking to a solicitor about probate early rather than late. The rules vary by state and territory, so check what applies where the person lived.

Related guides

Keep reading: What does an executor do in Australia?, What is probate in Australia?, What happens to super when you die, and does a Will cover everything?

Educational content only. Not legal, financial or tax advice. Estate laws vary across Australian states and territories. Always consult a qualified professional about your specific situation.

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A complete Day 1 to Month 12 roadmap. The 17 mistakes that create personal liability. Notification letters and an expense tracker. Free and instant.

Educational content only. This is general information, not legal, financial or tax advice. Estate laws vary across Australian states and territories. Please speak to a qualified solicitor or adviser about your situation.