Executor resource

Estate settlement checklist for an executor

A working sequence for turning a stack of documents into a reviewable estate file. Timing and filing requirements vary by court, will, trust, and state.

Gather and establish control

1. Collect the will, trust documents, death certificate, court letters, insurance information, and recent account statements.
2. Record the decedent, executor, state, and start date in a private working file.
3. Open an estate account when appropriate and keep estate money separate from personal money.
4. Create an inventory of property, accounts, debts, recurring bills, and expected income.

Track money movement

1. Record each asset at the value and date you are using for your working inventory.
2. Record income as it arrives and expenses when paid, keeping the receipt or reference in the note.
3. Record proposed or completed distributions separately from expenses.
4. Review that recorded charges minus credits equals the remaining balance before distributions.

Prepare to close

1. Reconcile the ledger to statements and preserve a separate export of the working file.
2. Review taxes, creditor notices, court forms, and proposed distributions with the right professional or court.
3. Print or save a report only after checking names, dates, amounts, and supporting documents.