Settle debts before distributing anything
Pay the estate's debts and check nothing is outstanding.
An executor who distributes too early can be personally liable for a debt that appears afterwards.
- How long it takes
- 2 months of notice, plus settlement
- Typical cost
- Around £70–£300 to place statutory notices
- What you need before you start
- Grant of probate
- A full list of creditors
Placing a deceased estates notice in The Gazette and a local paper protects you from unknown creditors after two months.
Pay funeral costs, tax and debts before beneficiaries. There is a legal order of priority if the estate cannot cover everything.
Do a final check on benefits overpayments and outstanding income tax to the date of death.
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 19 August 2026 by Simon D Campbell. Applies to England and Wales.