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The nine steps for an executor, on one page

Short answer: Most executors move through nine steps: secure the house, find the will and hire a probate attorney, get appointed, take inventory, notify people and companies, manage assets, pay debts and file taxes, decide what to do with the house, and distribute and close the estate. The order and details depend on the estate, so an attorney guides each one.

The nine steps

1. Secure the house. Locks, mail, insurance, and utilities.
2. Find the will and hire a probate attorney.
3. Get appointed. The court gives the executor legal authority to act.
4. Take inventory. List and, where needed, appraise assets.
5. Notify people and companies. Creditors, agencies, and account holders.
6. Manage assets. Keep property insured and maintained.
7. Pay debts and file taxes. Including property taxes.
8. Decide what to do with the house. Keep, rent, or sell.
9. Distribute and close the estate.

Why does the order matter?

Until an executor is appointed, they usually cannot act for the estate. Many families want to move faster than the process allows, so a plain explanation of the sequence helps.

Where can a family read the details?

I wrote a step-by-step guide with one page per step. See the Texas executor guide on my own site, including Step 3: get appointed. This page is general, educational information. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk to your own attorney, CPA, or broker about your situation.

Try this week

1. Print the nine steps as a one-page handout.
2. Add your own county's court contact details.
3. Review it with your supervising attorney.

Questions people ask

Is the order always the same?

Not always. Your attorney sets the order for each estate.

Is this for Texas only?

The example is Texas. Other states have their own steps.

Can I share it with clients?

Check with your supervising attorney first.

Example: the Texas executor guide. This links to my own site, Cities Real Estate.

This page is general, educational information. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk to your own attorney, CPA, or broker about your situation. I'm a GGMS customer, and I receive a discount from GGMS.