Can an executor also be a beneficiary?

Yes. It's very common for an executor — such as a spouse or adult child — to also inherit under the will. That's allowed in New Zealand.

Can you refuse to be an executor?

Yes. If you haven't started dealing with the estate you can renounce the role, and another executor or close relative can take over. It's harder to step back once you've begun acting.

Do executors get paid in New Zealand?

Usually not, unless the will allows it or all beneficiaries agree, though you can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses from the estate. Professional executors such as trustee companies do charge fees.

What does an executor of a will do? A New Zealand guide

Q: What does an executor of a will do?

An executor administers the estate: they locate the will, apply for probate if needed, gather and value the assets, pay debts, funeral costs and tax, distribute what's left to the beneficiaries as the will directs, and keep clear accounts.

If someone has named you the executor of their will, they've asked you to carry out their final wishes. It's a meaningful role — and a practical one, with real legal duties. Here's what's involved in New Zealand.

What is an executor?

An executor is the person (or people) named in a will to administer the estate — to gather what the person owned, pay what they owed, and distribute the rest to the people named in the will. You can be both an executor and a beneficiary, which is common (e.g. a spouse or adult child).

An executor's main duties

Locate the will and register the death — and order copies of the death certificate, which you'll need for asset-holders.
Apply for probate if it's required — the High Court's confirmation that the will is valid and you have authority to act. See our guide on what probate is and when you need it.
Identify and value the assets and debts — bank accounts, KiwiSaver, property, vehicles, investments, and any liabilities.
Protect the estate — keep property insured and secure until it's distributed.
Pay debts, funeral costs and tax — funeral expenses and debts are paid from the estate before beneficiaries receive anything.
Distribute the estate to the beneficiaries exactly as the will directs.
Keep clear accounts of everything received, paid and distributed — beneficiaries are entitled to see them.

Can you say no?

Yes. Being named doesn't force you to act. If you haven't yet started dealing with the estate, you can renounce (formally decline) the role, and another executor or a close relative can step in. Once you've begun acting, though, stepping back is harder — so decide early.

Do executors get paid?

Usually not, unless the will provides for it or all beneficiaries agree. You can, however, be reimbursed from the estate for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Professional executors (like a trustee company or lawyer) do charge.

How long does it take, and what are the risks?

Simple estates can be settled in a few months; complex ones (property, businesses, disputes, or claims against the estate) take longer. An executor can be personally liable for getting it wrong — for example, distributing too early and leaving a debt unpaid. When in doubt, get advice.

Getting help

Many executors handle straightforward estates themselves. Where there's property, a blended family, a possible dispute, or you simply don't have the time, it's worth getting support — start with our probate help page.

This article is general information about being an executor in New Zealand, not legal advice. For advice on a specific estate, talk to a lawyer.