Executor Duties in Western Australia: A Practical Checklist

An executor identifies and protects estate assets, obtains probate where required, deals with liabilities and tax, keeps proper records and distributes the estate according to the will and law. The executor must act for the estate—not personal advantage—and should not distribute prematurely while claims, debts or tax remain unresolved.

Practical sequence

1. Locate and preserve the original will and death certificate.
2. Secure property, digital records and valuables.
3. Identify beneficiaries, assets, debts and jointly owned property.
4. Notify relevant institutions and confirm whether probate is required.
5. Obtain valuations and maintain estate accounts.
6. Pay proper liabilities and address tax.
7. Consider claim and creditor risks before distribution.
8. Transfer or distribute assets and retain records. Complexity increases with businesses, trusts, overseas property, insolvency, family conflict or unclear wills. An executor should avoid mixing estate money with personal funds and obtain advice before making distributions or compromises. Book an estate-administration consultation.

Sources

• Supreme Court of WA — Wills and probate
• Supreme Court of WA — Preparing an application General information only.