Being named an estate trustee (executor) is one of the most important responsibilities someone can ask of you. It is also one of the most overwhelming. There are dozens of tasks to complete, strict legal obligations to follow, and real financial consequences if something is missed. Most people have never done it before, and they do not know where to start.
We created this checklist to help. It is the same checklist we use in our own practice at Bussey Ainsworth when guiding estate trustees through the administration process. It covers everything from locating the will on day one to making the final distribution months or years later.
What the Checklist Covers
The checklist is organised into 14 sections that follow the natural order of estate administration in Ontario:
Immediate steps (first days and weeks): Locating the will, arranging the funeral, securing personal valuables, notifying the bank, lawyer, and other professional advisors, and redirecting mail. These are the tasks that cannot wait.
Insurance, pensions, and benefits: Reviewing property insurance, filing life insurance claims, applying for Canada Pension Plan death benefits and survivor's benefits, and cancelling Old Age Security and the Child Tax Benefit. Many of these have strict deadlines.
Beneficiary notifications: Sending a copy of the will to each beneficiary, notifying charities of charitable bequests, and beginning the conversation about what to expect and when.
Property and asset management: Preparing a detailed inventory of assets, transferring ownership of registered property to the estate, arranging valuations for real estate and personal property, and reviewing investment portfolios. This section alone can take weeks to complete properly.
Debts and liabilities: Compiling a list of all debts, cancelling credit cards, settling outstanding claims, discharging mortgages and loans, and advertising for creditors.
Probate and legal administration: Retaining an estate lawyer, applying for probate (a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee), and obtaining notarised copies for banks and other institutions.
Tax returns and CRA obligations: Filing the deceased's final tax return, preparing estate trust returns, analysing elections under the Income Tax Act, and requesting clearance certificates from Canada Revenue Agency.
Distributions and closing: Calculating executor's compensation, preparing accounts for beneficiaries, obtaining releases, making interim and final distributions, and closing the estate bank account.
Who Is This For?
This checklist is for anyone who has been named as an executor or estate trustee in Ontario. Whether your loved one has just passed and you are trying to figure out what to do first, or you are planning ahead and want to understand what the role involves, this resource will help you stay organised and avoid costly mistakes.
If you are looking for a more detailed guide that explains each step in depth, we also offer a free Comprehensive Handbook for Estate Trustees that covers the duties, timelines, and legal obligations in greater detail.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
The checklist includes a reference section on Ontario's intestacy rules, because many estate trustees discover that the deceased did not have a valid will. If that applies to your situation, our article What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Ontario explains how assets are divided under the Succession Law Reform Act and what steps you need to take.
Download the Free Checklist
7 pages. Printable PDF. No cost, no obligation.
Need Help With Estate Administration in Peterborough?
A checklist is a starting point, but every estate is different. If you have been named executor and you need guidance, we can help. Our lawyers at Bussey Ainsworth have helped hundreds of families in Peterborough and the Kawarthas navigate the estate administration process. We will walk you through each step, handle the legal filings, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Call us at (705) 749-0628 or book a consultation to discuss your situation.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every estate is unique. Please consult with a lawyer before making decisions about estate administration.