Someone you care about has asked you to be the estate trustee for their estate. Or perhaps they have already passed, and you have just discovered that you were named executor in their will. Either way, you are now responsible for one of the most complex and consequential tasks a person can be asked to do, and most people have never done it before.
This handbook was written to give you a clear, plain-language overview of what the role involves. It is not a substitute for legal advice (every estate is different), but it will help you understand the process, anticipate what comes next, and know when to ask for professional help.
What the Handbook Covers
The handbook is organised into seven steps that follow the arc of a typical estate administration:
Step 1: Understanding the executor's role. Your responsibilities start with sorting out the estate documentation. The handbook explains how to locate the will, what to do if no will can be found, and the scope of your personal liability as executor. You are legally responsible for carrying out the requirements of the role, so understanding what is expected from you at the outset is essential.
Step 2: Navigating probate. Probate is the court process that validates the will and confirms your authority to act. The handbook explains how probate works in Ontario, how probate fees are calculated (for example, an estate valued at $300,000 would pay $3,750 in Estate Administration Tax), and what documents you will need to prepare. Your lawyer will guide you through the application, but understanding the process helps you plan ahead.
Step 3: Estate administration. This is the core of the work: setting up an estate bank account, settling debts and tax obligations, managing property and insurance, and communicating with beneficiaries throughout. The handbook explains what each of these tasks involves and how to stay organised.
Step 4: Asset distribution. Distributing assets is rarely as simple as writing cheques. The handbook covers how to follow the will's instructions, why estates are typically distributed in at least two payments (an interim distribution and a final distribution after CRA clearance), and why you need signed releases from beneficiaries before any funds change hands.
Step 5: Special considerations for business owners. If you are also running a business while serving as executor, this section offers practical strategies for managing both roles: delegating, hiring professionals, setting aside dedicated time for estate work, and communicating realistic expectations to your team and the beneficiaries.
Step 6: When to seek expert help. The handbook explains when and why you should engage a lawyer, an accountant, and a financial advisor. Most executors need all three, and knowing when to bring them in can save you time, money, and personal liability.
Step 7: Best practices. Record-keeping, ethical conduct, patience, and clear communication. These sound obvious, but they are the things that separate a smooth estate administration from a costly dispute.
Checklist vs. Handbook: Which Do You Need?
If you want a quick-reference list of every task you need to complete, download our Executor's Checklist for Estate Administration. It is a concise, printable task list organised by category.
If you want to understand why each step matters and how to approach it, this handbook is the right resource. Many people use both: the handbook for context and the checklist for day-to-day tracking.
Download the Free Handbook
12 pages. Clear, plain-language guidance. No cost, no obligation.
Need Help With an Estate in Peterborough?
If you have been named executor and you are not sure where to start, or if you are partway through the process and running into complications, we are here to help. At Bussey Ainsworth, we guide estate trustees through every stage of administration, from the initial probate application to the final distribution of assets.
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. Estate laws vary across Canadian provinces. Please consult with a lawyer in your jurisdiction before making decisions about estate administration.