Guidance for executors

Being selected as an executor shows that your loved one placed a great deal of trust in you, we hope this knowledge brings you some form of comfort at this difficult time.

If you’re unfamiliar with the process, it might appear daunting but we hope you find the information below helpful.

What is the role of an executor? 

As executor, you have been legally appointed to manage and distribute your loved one’s estate, according to the wishes they specified in their Will. There are several responsibilities involved, such as arranging the funeral, sorting out finances, dealing with assets paying inheritance tax and distributing the estate to the people and charities who have been named in the Will.  

I’m an executor and I don’t know what to do 

A solicitor can support you in your role as executor. This step by step guide from gov.uk is very helpful and links through to up-to-date forms for things like inheritance tax and probate. Citizen’s Advice is also a helpful resource and can provide free, confidential, independent advice.  

There are also sites which can help you notify business and departments of your loved one’s death:  

• Life Ledger manages everything from one place, contacting companies linked to your loved one so you can avoid repeated and often difficult conversations.
• Tell Us Once is a government service which lets you report the death of your loved one to departments such as HMRC, DVLA, DWO and the local council.  

My loved one has included a gift to you; do you need a copy of their Will? 

Yes please. Your loved one’s Will is a legal document and as a beneficiary, Cheshire Wildlife Trust is legally required to ensure gifts left to us are used as your loved one intended. Receiving a copy of the Will helps us confirm that we are the intended beneficiary charity and identify any conditions we must follow.  

Quite often our donors have supported us for many years and know members of the team here at the Trust. We would genuinely appreciate you taking time to tell us about their passing and their gift to wildlife. 

How do I pay a gift to Cheshire Wildlife Trust? 

When you are ready to pay a gift to Cheshire Wildlife Trust you can do this by bank transfer. Please contact Amy Green on 01948 820728 ext. 522 or email agreen@cheshirewt.org.uk for further details.