Free Executor Checklist — MyExecutorDesk

First steps

Create a calm place to collect questions, contacts, and records.

Confirm the role and contacts you have been givenKeep the names and contact details of people you may need to reach.Scope: General organizationMake a private list of questions for your next conversationCapture questions for a court, attorney, accountant, or other adviser.Scope: General organizationChoose a secure place for estate correspondenceUse a place you can return to as letters, emails, and notes arrive.Scope: General organization

Probate / appointment preparation

Gather what you already have and note what still needs confirmation.

Gather copies of the documents already available to youKeep a working list of documents; do not assume this list is complete.Scope: General organizationNote upcoming conversations or appointmentsRecord the date, people involved, and questions you want to cover.Scope: General organizationRecord the people involved in the administrationKeep names and roles together so follow-ups are easier to track.Scope: General organization

Estate inventory and accounts

Build a working picture of records and information still to find.

Start a working list of property and accountsRecord what you know and mark questions instead of guessing.Scope: General organizationNote where statements or records are storedKeep locations or next steps together without placing account numbers here.Scope: General organizationMark items that still need informationUse an open-items list to make follow-up conversations more focused.Scope: General organization

Debts, expenses, and taxes

Keep records together and reserve questions for qualified guidance.

Collect bills, receipts, and expense recordsKeep copies in an organized place for later review.Scope: General organizationStart a simple administration expense logRecord dates and descriptions in your private records; this checklist does not decide reimbursement.Scope: General organizationSet aside questions about debt or tax handlingFlag questions for a qualified adviser instead of treating this list as tax advice.Scope: General organization

Administration

Keep follow-ups and decisions visible while work moves forward.

Record requests and follow-upsCapture who you contacted and what you want to revisit.Scope: General organizationNote decisions that need confirmationKeep uncertain items in a questions list until you receive guidance.Scope: General organizationKeep a dated activity log for your own referenceA simple chronology can help you prepare for future conversations.Scope: General organization

Distribution and closing

Gather open questions and records before you consider the organization work complete.

List open questions before distributionsUse this as a prompt for professional or court confirmation, not as a directive.Scope: General organizationGather records you may need to review with an adviser or courtKeep a note of what is ready and what still needs to be found.Scope: General organizationNote items to revisit before considering the case organizedUse your own questions and records to decide what needs another conversation.Scope: General organization