Help for Executors and Estate Administrators
Our North Vancouver Probate lawyers can assist executors and estate administrators with complex tasks, answering questions, and helping manage dealings with the estate beneficiaries.
The duties of an Executor may include:
- locating the original Will (if applicable)
- attending to the funeral and other family matters
- obtaining death certificate
- reviewing the deceased’s important papers and attending at the bank to obtain a listing of any safety deposit box
- locating the assets and liabilities of the deceased and determine their date of death values
- reviewing insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage is in place
- redirecting mail
- cancelling credit cards and subscriptions
- preparing a list of names and addresses of beneficiaries and next of kin
- filing claims for life insurance, pension plans, death benefits (including CPP Survivor’s benefit)
- obtaining the appropriate Court Order – Letters Probate or Letters of Administration, if required
- notifying the Public Guardian and Trustee if there are any children under the age of 19, or any disabled beneficiaries
- advertising for creditors in the required form and manner to help protect yourself from liability
- gathering in the assets, arrange for sale of assets not specifically left to a named beneficiary
- placing all monies into an estate bank account
- transferring Title of all real property to the name of the executor
- completing Income Tax Returns and obtaining Income Tax Clearance Certificate from the CRA
- obtaining releases from beneficiaries required to complete the distribution of the estate
- preparing detailed accounts for the approval of the beneficiaries, or arrange for passing of accounts in Court if there are any disputes amongst the beneficiaries (or if any of the residuary beneficiaries are under 19)
- obtaining signed releases from the beneficiaries releasing the executor from claims
- distributing the estate according to the Will or, if there is no Will, the Estate Administration Act
Experienced Estate Administration and Probate Lawyers
Navigating the complexities of probate can be a daunting task, and our experienced wills and estates lawyers are here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you’re an executor or administrator seeking guidance in understanding and fulfilling your duties, our team is dedicated to providing expert support to ensure a seamless probate process.
