Executors' duties: Explaining the dangers of DIY probate

Where an estate appears relatively straightforward, the executor may feel that they can rely on their own research to understand their duties and the tasks required of them in the administration, without using a professional to act on their behalf. However, this is a risky approach and to the untrained eye there could be countless traps to fall into by undertaking a so-called "DIY probate". This article examines some of those pitfalls and their potential consequences. The first pertinent duty is to locate and interpret the deceased's last will. Although most advisers will stress to th...