Being named an executor in a loved one’s Will is a sign of tremendous trust. It is also, unfortunately, a significant amount of work that often begins at the moment of greatest grief.
If you have just received the news and know you are the designated executor, you might feel overwhelmed. That is normal. In Canada, the executor’s role is to wrap up the deceased person’s affairs, pay their debts, and distribute what is left to the beneficiaries. It is a marathon, not a sprint.
However, the first few days require specific actions. Before you worry about taxes or probate courts, here are the five immediate steps you need to take.
1. Secure the “Moving Parts”
Before searching for paperwork, ensure the physical world is secure. If the deceased lived alone, your immediate priority is protecting their property.
- Lock the doors: Ensure the home and any vehicles are locked.
- Pets and Perishables: Arrange immediate care for any pets. Empty the fridge of perishable food.
- Mail and Deliveries: Collect mail daily so it doesn’t pile up, signalling an empty house.
2. Locate the Original Will
You cannot officially act as an executor until you know for sure that you are one. You need to find the original, signed copy of the Last Will and Testament. A photocopy is often not sufficient for banks or lawyers.
Where to look:
- A home safe or fireproof box.
- A filing cabinet in a home office.
- A safety deposit box at their bank (note: you may need a death certificate to gain access if you aren’t a joint holder).
- The lawyer who drafted the Will (they usually keep a copy in their vault).
3. Arrange the Funeral
While this is often a family decision, in most Canadian provinces, the Executor has the final legal authority over funeral arrangements. The funeral costs are usually the first expense paid out of the estate’s funds.
- Did the Will specify burial or cremation?
- Did they have a pre-paid funeral contract? (You will need to find this paperwork).
If there is no pre-plan, you will need to meet with a funeral director. Remember, you are not personally responsible for the bill; the estate is. However, banks may be frozen, so you may need to pay the deposit on a credit card and get reimbursed once estate funds are released.
4. Get “Proof of Death” (Multiple Copies)
You cannot close accounts, cancel subscriptions, or deal with the government without proving the person has died.
You do not usually need the official government “Medical Certificate of Death” for day-to-day tasks. Instead, the funeral home will provide you with Funeral Director’s Statements of Death (sometimes called “Proof of Death Certificates”).
Get at least 10-15 certified copies. You will need an original copy for every bank, insurance company, pension office, and credit card company you deal with.
5. Notify the Banks and Stop the Bleeding
Once you have the Proof of Death and the Will, go to the deceased’s primary bank branch. Notify them of the death so they can freeze the accounts to protect them from fraud or automatic withdrawals.
You need to stop money from automatically leaving the accounts for things that are no longer needed, such as:
- Cell phone plans.
- Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify).
- Gym memberships.
- Internet/Cable (unless someone is still living in the house).
Summary
The first week is about stabilization. Don’t worry yet about selling the house or filing final tax returns. Your immediate job is to secure the assets, find the instructions (the Will), and lay them to rest dignifiedly. Take a deep breath; you have time to figure out the rest.
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