The basic steps for administering an estate are as follows:

1. Arrange the funeral

2. Take inventory of the estate

3. Become the Executor from the court if the will goes through probate

4. Notify all of the banks, accounts, and family

5. Notify all of the beneficiaries of the estate

6. Manage all of the assets that are mentioned in the will

7. Pay all of the outstanding debts

8. File taxes

9. Make the distributions of the assets mentioned in the will

10. Finalize the estate settlements, including all accounting.

As each estate is different, it is important to note that there may be additional steps required in order to execute the will properly.