Once you begin acting as an executor or administrator and take on the duties and responsibilities, there is some risk to you. A lawyer will assist you in performing your due diligence, advise you on paying estate debts as appropriate, and prepare the legal paperwork so you may make distributions to the beneficiaries, without adverse risk to yourself.
You should also retain a competent accountant to ensure the appropriate tax filings are made on behalf of the Deceased and for the Estate. If you are not careful with your handling of the financials of the estate, or otherwise pay out beneficiaries before you understand the full financial picture, you could become personally liable to payout any unforeseen income tax debts (or unexpected debts) that may arise after you have made estate distributions to beneficiaries. There are procedures in place that your lawyer will advise you on to limit this risk to you.
You should not succumb to beneficiaries putting pressure on you to make an early distribution of estate funds or assets if you are not comfortable to do so. Always consider what is in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries (as executor and trustee of the estate you have a duty to maintain neutrality).
