Executor’s Task List
Below is a simple check list for Executors and Administrators to work through after their loved one has passed. If you would like a more detailed list of steps or assistance with administering the estate, please contact our office at info@albertlawco.com and we would be happy to help.
Executor’s Tasks – First Steps after Death
1. Obtain a Death Certificate
No legal processes for the estate can be started without an original or certified copy of the Death Certificate;
· The Funeral Home generally provides the original Death Certificate and certified copies.
· We recommend that you obtain at least 5 certified copies in addition to the original.
2. Locate the Will
· The most common places where a Will is stored are the deceased’s home, their safety deposit box, or their lawyer’s office.
· British Columbia’s Vital Statistics Agency maintains a Will Registry, which may be of assistance if you cannot locate the Will of the deceased.
Link: Wills Registry - Province of British Columbia
· Once you find the Will, store it somewhere for dry and safe as many institutes will want to take a copy of it (the bank, the accountant, etc).
· Do not remove the staples! And ask that the institutes taking a copy do not remove the staples either.
3. Make Funeral Arrangements
· It is the executor’s responsibility to arrange the funeral and ensure that it is carried out in accordance with the deceased’s wishes, if known.
· Check the Will to see if there any specific burial or cremation instructions.
· Check the deceased’s other important documents to see if prepaid funeral arrangements were already made.
· Reasonable funeral costs qualify as estate expenses. You can bring the invoice from the funeral home to the bank for payment using the Deceased’s account and they will issue a draft payable directly to the funeral home (in most cases).
4. Secure Assets
· It is the executor’s responsibility to preserve the value of the estate, which means preserving the value of its assets.
· Take steps to prevent theft, damage or misuse of the Deceased’s assets
o Residence: If the deceased lived alone, ensure their residence is locked and secure as soon as possible. If there are valuables in the home - such as jewelry, cash, or important documents - consider relocating them temporarily to a safety deposit box or other secure location.
o Update the house insurance for vacancy coverage. This is very important as failing to notify the insurer may result in coverage being denied in the event of a claim.
o Cancel services no longer required (telephone, internet)
o Determine expenses which will need to be temporarily maintained and paid (Fortis, Hydro, household security, strata fees, property taxes, etc.).
o Vehicles:
o Secure any vehicles on the property. Remove the keys, lock the vehicles, and store them in a garage if possible. Confirm that auto insurance remains in force, and notify the insurer of the owner’s death.
· Forward the deceased’s mail to your address to avoid buildup and monitor for bills or statements (Canada Post).
· Cancel all credit cards.
5. Notify Government Services
· Notify government services by providing a death certificate and the Will:
o Service Canada: 1-800-622-6232
o CRA: 1-800-959-8281
· Apply for the CPP Death benefit
6. Start Collecting Information
· Review the Deceased’s paperwork to determine all assets and liabilities (including bank accounts, investments, life insurance policies, pensions, income tax returns, loans, shares, etc).
· Obtain a listing of the contents of the safety deposit box, if any.
7. Other Notes
· As you commence your duties as executor, we recommend that you start a journal to keep a record of your time and services provided. Also, be sure to keep receipts for any expenses relating to the estate. This can be a big help later, when you wish to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses and in order to claim Executor’s Remuneration, both of which must be disclosed to the beneficiaries.
· As an executor, you are a fiduciary, and your role is to protect and preserve the assets of the estate and distribute the estate according to the terms of the Will.
Conclusion
Probating an estate is a lengthy process. This blog is a very brief overview of the process and should not be construed as a complete instruction manual. Please contact our estate lawyers for legal advice and assistance.
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Contact our office for professional guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Written by Emily Anderson, Albert & Co. Law LLP, February 2, 2026.
© Albert & Co. Law LLP. The contents of this article do not constitute legal advice. Readers should seek legal advice in relation to their own specific circumstances.
