The first duty of an executor or administrator, usually called the personal representative, is to safeguard the assets of the deceased person. This can often create difficulty where the deceased was the owner of a business or a farm. If the personal representative cannot do so, a relative will usually take over the running of the business or farm until the it can be transferred to the person entitled or until it is sold. It is important for the personal representative to ascertain that any property is insured. The insurance company should also be informed of the death of the policy holder.

Once the Grant issues from the Probate Office the task of collecting the financial assets can commence. Banks, Credit Unions and Building Societies, will upon the production of the Grant and signed withdrawal forms, pay over the proceeds of the accounts to the personal representative. Company shares held by the deceased can be sold or transferred directly to the beneficiaries.