If you’ve just been named executor of an estate in Ohio, you don’t need to know everything today—but there are a few critical things you need to do in the first week to protect the property, avoid costly mistakes, and give yourself a stable foundation.
Important note: I’m not an attorney and don’t give legal advice. Probate rules vary by situation, so always follow your probate attorney and local court guidance. What I can share are practical, real-world steps I see families successfully take in Ohio—especially when there’s a home involved.
Here are 7 things to do in your first week as executor, plus 3 common mistakes that can create major headaches if you’re not careful.
The 7 Things to Do in Week One
1. Secure the Home and Anything Valuable
Step one is about protecting the property and buying yourself some breathing room. If there’s a house involved:
- Make sure doors and windows are secure
- Check the garage
- Gather items that could disappear easily: medications, small valuables, important papers, spare keys
If you think multiple people may have keys, don’t panic—just focus on securing the home now and sorting out access later.
2. Locate the Basics: Will, Documents, and Property Info
Try to locate the essentials:
- The original will (if there is one)
- Property deed
- Mortgage statement
- Homeowner’s insurance policy
- Notes about accounts or bills
You don’t need to find every single thing in one day—you’re just creating a starting point.
3. Order Multiple Death Certificates
This is one of those practical steps that saves you so much time later. Order multiple certified copies of the death certificate right away. Different institutions will need originals—banks, life insurance companies, retirement accounts, and more.
If you’re not sure how many to order, your funeral home can guide you. It’s much easier to get them upfront than to request more later.
4. Start a Simple Call Log and Paperwork Folder
This sounds small, but it saves executors enormous stress later. Start a simple call log today.
Every time you call a bank, utility company, insurance company, or attorney, write down:
- Who you spoke with
- The date
- What they told you
Also create one folder—physical or digital—for all probate paperwork. The goal is to stop the mental juggling and have everything in one place.
5. Forward the Mail and Watch for Time-Sensitive Bills
Forwarding the deceased’s mail is crucial. The mail tells you what’s still active:
- Utility bills
- Subscriptions
- Property tax notices
- Insurance statements
- Unexpected bills or claims
Even if you’re not ready to make decisions yet, this helps you avoid missed deadlines and prevents small problems from becoming major issues.
6. Confirm Insurance Coverage Right Away
This is urgent. Many executors don’t realize this needs immediate attention.
Call the homeowner’s insurance company and:
- Confirm the policy is still active
- Ask how the policy handles a property that may be vacant
- Get clarification on any restrictions if a home is unoccupied
Some policies have strict rules about vacancy. Don’t assume you’re covered—make the call and document what they tell you in your call log.
7. Stabilize Utilities and Prevent Property Damage
Keep utilities on at a basic level, especially in cold weather. You don’t want frozen pipes, mold, or other preventable damage.
You’re not trying to run the home like someone lives there—you’re just preventing avoidable problems while the legal process moves forward.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now let’s talk about three mistakes I see executors make that cause unnecessary stress and complications.
Mistake #1: Giving Away Personal Property Too Early
I know this part can feel emotional. Family members often want items right away for sentimental reasons. But giving things away too early can:
- Cause family conflict
- Create issues with documenting the estate inventory
- Violate probate court requirements
Safer approach: Pause, take photos, create a quick inventory, and let the legal process guide the timing of distributions.
Mistake #2: Not Handling Insurance Correctly
Letting insurance lapse—or not verifying vacancy rules—is a huge mistake. A home can be fine for months, then one small event happens:
- A pipe leak
- A break-in
- Storm damage
Suddenly you have a major problem, and if the insurance doesn’t cover it because of vacancy issues, you could be personally liable.
Please hear me on this one: Insurance verification is one of the first calls you need to make.
Mistake #3: Paying for Everything Without Tracking It
Executors often start paying expenses out of pocket or paying random bills without a system. Even when intentions are good, it gets messy later when you need to:
- Account for estate expenses to the court
- Get reimbursed for what you paid
- Prove you handled money properly
At minimum:
- Keep every receipt
- Use a simple log or spreadsheet
- Ask your attorney what they prefer for handling expenses
Organization now saves enormous frustration later.
You’re Not Behind
If you’re in this situation right now, I want you to know: you’re not behind. The first week is about getting stable, getting organized, and avoiding the mistakes that make everything heavier down the road.
The next steps will become clearer as you move forward. You don’t need to have all the answers today.
Free Executor Resources
If it would help, I’ve created comprehensive guides specifically for Ohio executors:
Free guides available:
- Ohio Probate Roadmap with Real Estate (complete step-by-step process)
- Estate Inventory Guide (what to include, deadlines, valuation)
- Handling Creditor Claims (how to verify, allow, reject, and pay)
- Notifying Heirs and Beneficiaries (requirements and timelines)
- And more
Contact me to receive your free guides:
📧 danielle@swohio.homes
📱 513.628.2880
Questions About the Property?
If you have questions about the house specifically—whether you have to sell it, what your options are, or how to plan the next steps—I’m happy to help. Reach out anytime.
You’ve got this. Take it one step at a time.