If someone has asked you to be the executor of their Will, you might feel both honoured and a little nervous — and that’s completely normal. Being an executor means you’re trusted to handle a loved one’s affairs after they’ve passed. It’s a big responsibility, and if you’ve never done it before, it can feel overwhelming.

The good news? You don’t have to be a legal or financial expert to do it right. In British Columbia, anyone can serve as an executor — a family member, friend, or trusted advisor — as long as they’re willing to take on the duties and handle things carefully.

This post walks you through what being an executor actually means, what you’ll need to do, and where to find help along the way.

Step 1 – Confirm Your Role

When someone passes away, the first step is to locate the original Will and confirm you’ve been officially named as executor. You can choose to accept or decline the role — once you start managing the estate, you’re legally responsible for completing it. Before taking any action, get a few certified copies of the death certificate, which you’ll need for banks, government offices, and insurance companies. If you’re unsure about anything, talk to a lawyer or notary for guidance before moving forward.

Step 2 – Secure the Estate

After confirming your role, your next job is to protect the estate. Arrange the funeral or memorial service according to your loved one’s wishes, and make sure their property and valuables are safe. Change locks if necessary, maintain insurance coverage, and cancel credit cards. It’s also a good idea to redirect mail and open a separate estate bank account to manage all income and expenses related to the estate.

Step 3 – Gather Important Information

Now it’s time to get organized. Make a list of everything your loved one owned and owed — homes, bank accounts, pensions, vehicles, investments, and debts. Collect account statements and property titles as of the date of death, since those figures will be important later for taxes and probate. Keeping detailed notes now will make every future step smoother.

Step 4 – Apply for Probate (if needed)

Probate might sound intimidating, but it’s simply the legal process that confirms a Will is valid and gives you permission to act as executor. In British Columbia, probate is usually required if your loved one owned real estate or if banks or investment firms ask for court approval. You’ll file documents with the Supreme Court of British Columbia and pay a filing fee based on the estate’s value. Once granted, probate allows you to collect and manage assets safely and legally.

Step 5 – Notify Family, Beneficiaries, and Creditors

Part of being an executor is keeping everyone informed. Send written notices to the beneficiaries named in the Will, letting them know the estate is being settled. You’ll also need to publish a Notice to Creditors in the BC Gazette or a local newspaper so that anyone owed money has a chance to come forward. This step helps protect you from future claims.

Step 6 – Collect and Manage the Estate

Now you can start managing the estate itself. Transfer accounts and assets into the estate’s name, and decide what needs to be sold, maintained, or distributed. If there’s a house involved, you may need to work with professionals like a real estate agent, appraiser, or lawyer to ensure everything is handled properly. Keep detailed records of all transactions — every dollar in or out of the estate should be tracked.

Step 7 – Pay Debts and Taxes

Before anyone can receive their inheritance, all debts must be settled. That includes funeral costs, credit cards, loans, and outstanding bills. You’ll also need to file the final tax return (T1 Terminal Return) and possibly previous returns if they weren’t filed. Once everything is paid, request a CRA Clearance Certificate, which confirms all taxes are cleared before distributing any funds to beneficiaries.

Step 8 – Prepare a Financial Summary

Executors must provide a clear record of what’s been done — kind of like a report card for the estate. This includes all assets, income, expenses, and how you plan to distribute what’s left. Share this with beneficiaries so everyone understands the numbers. In larger or more complex estates, you may need to have this accounting approved by the court.

Step 9 – Distribute What’s Left

With debts and taxes handled, you can finally carry out your loved one’s wishes. That means distributing what remains — money, property, keepsakes — according to the Will. Always get written receipts or releases from beneficiaries to confirm they’ve received their share. It protects you and ensures everyone’s on the same page.

Step 10 – Close the Estate

Once everything has been distributed, it’s time to wrap things up. Close the estate’s bank account, file a final report, and keep all records for at least six years in case questions come up later. Executors in BC can receive compensation (usually up to 5% of the estate’s value and 0.4% per year for ongoing management), but many family executors choose to waive or reduce this amount as a gesture of goodwill.

Final Thoughts

Being an executor isn’t just a list of tasks — it’s an act of trust and love. You’re helping to bring closure and stability during an emotional time, and that matters deeply. Remember, you don’t have to do everything alone. You can lean on professionals — lawyers, accountants, or real estate specialists — who can handle the technical parts while you focus on the personal side.

If you or a loved one are preparing for this stage of life, planning ahead can make all the difference. As a Seniors’ Real Estate Specialist, I’ve helped many families through these transitions with care, understanding, and practical support. If you ever need help navigating real estate decisions tied to an estate, I’m here to guide you — step by step.