The Executor Checklist
June 1, 2022
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So, you’ve been chosen to be the Executor of someone’s Will – maybe a loved one or maybe a friend.
Cause for congratulations, perhaps?
It is an honour to be asked, however, the responsibilities of an Executor are very important and can be very extensive. It is not like taking up a new sport or a hobby, where you can take your time and practice until you are good at it.
As Executor you will need resources to help you; professional support services or the advice from someone who you trust that has acted in the capacity AND a good checklist that you can reference to ensure that you don’t miss any key aspects of your responsibilities.
Choose an Executor – And choose wisely.
Remember, some of our most critical life decisions to be made affect outcomes after we die.
Executor Checklist
The next steps after someone passes away.
Immediately
- Locate and review the Will or any other supporting documents regarding funeral, burial, etc.
- Make proper arrangements that follow the deceased’s wishes
- Approve organ donation if applicable
- Secure assets (home, business, cars, etc.)
- Arrange for the care of children and/or pets
The Following Days
- Obtain proof of death, or death certificate
- Cancel credit and debit cards
- Cancel all government cards (driver’s license, passport, health card, SIN)
- Cancel all subscriptions and membership cards
- Cancel benefits such as CPP, OAS, pensions, etc.
The Following Weeks
- Contact and meet with an estate lawyer
- Complete list of the deceased assets
- Review the Will and supporting documents with the beneficiaries
- Ensure proceeds from RRSP, TFSA, life insurance, etc. are paid to the estate or the designated beneficiaries
- Contact deceased’s creditors to arrange payment of debts
- Notify banks, financial advisors, accountants, insurance
- Apply for government death benefit
- Notify utility companies
- Arrange for payment of recurring expenses
- Start making a list of the deceased assets
- Review any legal actions in which the deceased was involved
- Apply for probate
- Collect debts owing to the estate
- Sell / distribute assets as directed by the Will
- Maintain meticulous records of all actions taken on behalf of the estate
- File outstanding tax returns
- File terminal tax return
- File estate tax return
- Obtain a tax clearance certificate
- Apply for executor compensation if applicable
- Distribute residual estate assets
- Obtain releases from beneficiaries
If you don’t have an Estate Plan don’t wait until it is too late! Reach out to one of our advisors if you have any questions and get started today!
Have Questions?
Contact a Ward & Uptigrove Wealth Management representative
at 519-291-3040 or email info@w-u.on.ca.
We are th rilled to announce Ward & Uptigrove was selected as a recipient of the Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers Award for 2025. The award is based on the following criteria: 1. Workplace, 2. Work Atmosphere and Social, 3. Health, Financial and Family Benefits, 4. Vacation and Time-Off, 5. Employee Communications, 6. Performance Management, 7. Training and Skills Development, 8. and Community Involvement! Here are some of the reasons why Ward & Uptigrove was selected as one of Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers (2025): Ward & Uptigrove increased its full-time workforce in Canada by over 13 per cent in the past year and lets everyone benefit in the company's success with profit-sharing -- the company also offers generous referral bonuses of up to $5,000 per successful candidate as an incentive for employees to recruit friends Ward & Uptigrove hosts three major social events each year, giving employees the opportunity to unwind and connect with food, beverage and entertainment covered by the firm's partners -- events include a post-tax season party (employees plus a guest), a fall golf tournament, and an annual holiday celebration Ward & Uptigrove matches employee donations in kind, and encourages them to lend a helping hand in the community with a paid day off to volunteer Emily MacRobbie, human resources manager at Ward & Uptigrove, says clients appreciate the close connections and sense of care their small-town environment fosters. “We’re big enough to attract and retain some of the best and brightest minds in the industry, while simultaneously being small enough that staff and clients are known on a more personal level,” says MacRobbie. “Employees really appreciate the flexibility the firm offers, such as work location (in office or hybrid) and hours of work arrangements. We keep a pulse on what’s happening and make sure we remain competitive with things like paid time off and flexible health benefits.” To learn more about career opportunities at Ward & Uptigrove visit www.wardanduptigrove.com/careers
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