WA Continued Use of Bank Account by Executor of Will?

[Elspeth]

Is the executor of a will, who was also a signatory on the deceased person's bank account, authorised to continue using the account to pay for funeral expenses etc.

 

[Sarah J]

Hi Elspeth,

Yes, the executor has an obligation to pay for all funeral expenses, debts, administration costs and testamentary costs of the will-maker (testator). This comes out of a specified account (assigned by the testator beforehand) or the residual estate (where the testator is silent). Essentially, the estate pays for these costs and the executor manages this.

 

[Sophea]

In addition to Sarah J's comments above, regardless of whether they are a joint signatory to the bank account, the executor of an estate has a right to access to the testator's funds being either the allocated or residual for funeral expenses.