IrelandWhat is the role of an executor?
An executor is the person named in a will to manage the deceased’s estate, pay debts and taxes, and distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will.
What the Law Says
The Succession Act 1965 sets out the legal powers and duties of an executor in Ireland.
An executor is a person specifically named in a valid will to carry out the wishes of the deceased (the testator). Their main role is to gather the estate’s assets, settle any debts, taxes and funeral expenses, and then distribute what remains to the beneficiaries named in the will.
Under section 34 of the Succession Act 1965, an executor has the legal authority to administer the estate once granted probate by the High Court. This includes the power to sell or transfer property, collect debts owed to the estate, and defend or bring legal actions on behalf of the estate.
The executor owes a strict fiduciary duty — meaning they must act honestly, impartially, and in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries at all times. They cannot profit personally from their role unless the will expressly permits it.
Statutory TextAn executor is the person appointed by the testator to administer his estate.
— Succession Act 1965, s. 34 — Interpretation
What to Do
Locate the original will and confirm you are named as executor.
Apply to the Probate Office of the High Court for a Grant of Probate.
Collect all assets (e.g., bank accounts, property, investments) and value the estate.
Pay outstanding debts, taxes (including Capital Acquisitions Tax), and funeral expenses.
Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries as directed in the will.
Sources
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US-New YorkNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.