When someone dies, beneficiaries often want to understand what is happening and when they are likely to receive their inheritance. Executors, on the other hand, may be dealing with a large amount of paperwork, strict deadlines, and sensitive family dynamics at a difficult time.
This article is written for both executors, who want to administer an estate properly and reduce the risk of disputes, and beneficiaries, who want to know what information they can reasonably expect, and when.
The focus here is practical: what information is usually shared during the administration of an estate in England and Wales, what estate accounts typically contain, and how to handle information requests sensibly.
What is an executor?
An executor is the person (or people) appointed in a will to administer the deceased’s estate. In practice, an executor’s role is to collect in the assets, pay any debts and tax due, keep proper records, and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the will.
What is a beneficiary?
A beneficiary is someone entitled to receive a gift under a will (or, if there is no will, under the law of intestacy). Beneficiaries may receive a specific item, a fixed sum of money, or a share of the “residue” of the estate (what remains after debts, tax and other gifts have been dealt with).
What information should beneficiaries reasonably expect during estate administration?
There is no single rule that fits every estate. Some estates are dealt with quickly; others take many months (or longer), particularly where probate is required as tax forms must be completed, assets need valuing, and/or property must be sold before distributions can be made.
However, beneficiaries can generally expect clear updates at key stages, especially where there are likely to be delays. Executors do not need to provide constant detail but should be able to explain the overall position and what the next steps are.
A sensible approach is a short written update when:
- the main assets and liabilities have been identified and valued
- probate has been applied for (if needed)
- probate is granted
- a property sale is progressing (if relevant)
- the executor is approaching interim or final distribution
Do executors have to communicate with beneficiaries?
In general, it is good practice for executors to keep beneficiaries reasonably informed and to respond to sensible requests for updates. Silence often creates suspicion, even where there is nothing wrong, whereas a short explanation of what is happening (and why it may take time) can prevent conflict.
For executors, the aim is usually to set expectations early: explain that probate administration can take time and confirm when you expect to provide the next update.
Do executors have to provide estate accounts?
Estate accounts are usually prepared towards the end of the administration. They show what came into the estate, what was paid out (for example debts, tax and expenses), and what is being distributed to beneficiaries.
In practice, residuary beneficiaries (those inheriting the “residue” after debts, tax and other gifts have been dealt with) are entitled to see estate accounts because the accounts explain what they receive. Beneficiaries who are receiving a fixed gift (for example a set sum of money) do not need the same level of detail, because their entitlement is not altered by the calculation of the residue (unless an estate is insolvent).
For executors, producing clear estate accounts demonstrates transparency and makes it easier to answer questions about valuations, expenses and distributions. Estate accounts are often the most practical way for executors to disclose the key financial information beneficiaries need, without having to share every underlying document.
What do estate accounts usually include?
Estate accounts vary depending on the complexity of the estate, but a standard set of accounts typically includes:
- Assets and values used (for example property, bank accounts, investments, personal possessions, valued as at the date of death)
- Liabilities and debts paid (including bills and any refunds due)
- Tax reported and paid (where relevant), and key administration costs
- Executor expenses and professional fees paid from the estate
- A distribution statement showing what each beneficiary has received (or will receive)
The accounts should be clear enough that beneficiaries (particularly residuary beneficiaries) can understand how the final figures were reached.
Do beneficiaries have a right to see the will?
Beneficiaries sometimes ask for a copy of the will. Before probate is granted, beneficiaries do not always have a straightforward right to demand a copy in every situation. However, once probate has been granted, the will becomes a public document, and beneficiaries can obtain a copy.
Refusing to provide any information at all about what someone is entitled to can create suspicion and lead to unnecessary disputes. Where appropriate, it is often sensible for executors to confirm (in writing) what the beneficiary is due to receive and explain when they can expect a further update.
Can beneficiaries demand bank statements and invoices?
Beneficiaries sometimes ask for “everything” like bank statements, invoices, and correspondence with institutions.
A practical approach is usually:
- Start with estate accounts (or at least a clear summary of what has been collected and paid out)
- If questions remain, consider whether supplying additional documents is reasonable, relevant and proportionate
- Be mindful of confidentiality, especially where documents contain information about other beneficiaries or third parties
Executors may reasonably take the view that not every document needs to be shared automatically, particularly if it creates significant cost to the estate or discloses information that should remain confidential.
How should executors respond to information requests?
If you receive a request for information, it is usually sensible to consider:
- The nature of the beneficiary’s interest (residuary vs fixed gift)
- Whether the request affects entitlement (does it change what they will receive?)
- Why the information is being requested (genuine query vs dispute escalation)
- Confidentiality (does it reveal information about others?)
- Proportionality and cost (is it readily available or would it create expense for the estate?)
A short, written response explaining what you will provide (and when) is often enough to prevent matters escalating.
What if an executor is not communicating?
For beneficiaries, the first step is usually a written request asking for an update on progress, confirmation of whether probate has been applied for or granted (if relevant) and an indication of likely timescales for the next stage (and, where appropriate, when estate accounts will be available).
For executors, if progress is slow, it is usually better to explain why (for example waiting on valuations, property sale, or responses from institutions) than to say nothing.
If communication has broken down, or allegations of wrongdoing are being made, specialist advice can help clarify what is reasonable and how best to respond.
What should an executor do if they need help?
Administering an estate can become complex quickly, particularly where there are property, Inheritance Tax, overseas assets, business interests, or beneficiary disputes. A solicitor can assist with the probate application, reporting the estate to HMRC for tax purposes, estate accounts and distribution, and can either deal with the full administration or advise on specific steps.
Contact a Specialist Probate Solicitor
If you are an executor dealing with difficult beneficiary communications, or a beneficiary concerned about a lack of information, we can advise on what is reasonable in your circumstances and the best way to resolve issues without unnecessary delay or cost. Please do not hesitate to contact one of experienced Probate Solicitors or get in touch on 020 8492 2290.
