Executor Duties

The information on this page will help you understand your duties as an Executor.

Click here for a comprehensive Executor Checklist

This summary is not intended to be all encompassing and does not cover any further duties that may be involved should complications arise with the estate.

*Connelly-McKinley encourages you to consider the advice and counsel of an attorney. If you do have not already retained attorney and require one, check online or ask a trusted friend for recommendations

Duties of an Executor* Brief summary

• Locate and review will
• Deal with intentions as to donation of organs, cremation or burial
• Contact and/or retain lawyer for advice and assistance
• Contact life insurance company to help cover immediate expenses
• Give notice to beneficiaries regarding the contents of the will.
• Locate and protect assets
• Protect business interests
• Collect valuables
• Open estate bank account
• Ensure all property is insured
• Assemble and value assets (e.g., real property, furniture, bank accounts, securities, business interests, jewelry)
• View safety deposit box to determine contents
• Determine if there are any agreements that apply to the assets (e.g., buy-sell agreement, Shareholders Agreement)
• Determine if there is property located out of the province
• Apply for Canadian Pension Plan Benefits
• Notify Blue Cross and Alberta Health Care
• Order death certificates if required
• Cancel credit cards; obtain final statements
• Redirect mail
• Cancel subscriptions, memberships, etc.
• Arrange for the transfer of jointly held assets
• Assist lawyer in preparation of documents to apply for a Grant of Probate
• Contact lawyer and Public Trustee if minors are involved
• Determine with lawyer applicability of legislation (e.g., Family Relief Act, Matrimonial Property Act)
  Advertise for creditors
• File tax returns; obtain clearance certificate
• Pay taxes, debts, funeral expenses, etc.
• Prepare an accounting of the administration of the estate
• Determine if any matrimonial agreement might affect the distribution of the assets
• Defend or commence lawsuits as necessary
• Convert assets to cash where appropriate
• Determine your fee and obtain approval from the beneficiaries or by court order
• Prepare and have all beneficiaries sign a release
• Distribute the assets of the estate
  Note: Funeral expenses do not have to go to probate (most banks will pay the account(s) from the deceased’s bank account).
• Change status or cancel Social Media Accounts

The Family Service Experts at Connelly McKinley are here to help you

If you have a question call 780-590-0626