Part of an executor’s duties in Ontario is to provide an accounting to beneficiaries. This happens after all debts and expenses are paid, including income taxes, and before any remaining assets are distributed. These are the types of responsibilities of an executor...
Estate Administration
Stopping payments after a loved one’s passing
There are so many things an executor of an estate needs to do after a testator dies. Estate administration in Ontario isn’t always an easy job, and it is almost always a multi-faceted one. For example, what does an executor do when the testator has outstanding loans?...
The importance of pre-planning a funeral
Discussing death with loved ones is never easy and typically not pleasant, but it is a necessary conversation. An executor appointed for the estate administration task in Ontario is responsible for making funeral arrangements. This is one of the reasons why it’s so...
Things to know when a family member dies intestate
Some people might wonder if they could act as an executor of a family member’s will if that family member died without a will. There is no hard and fast answer to that question, but estate administration in Ontario follows a set of rules. A loved one could apply for...
Role of public guardian and trustee in estate administration
There are typically all kinds of legalities involved when someone passes away. When Ontario residents die without having done any estate planning and no one is available to see to their estates, someone will need to look after estate administration duties. This is...
The ins and out of challenging a will
People who take the time for comprehensive estate planning try not to make errors. Unfortunately, some family members who feel slighted by a will during the estate administration process might choose to challenge the will. Doing so can be costly, time-consuming (it...
Probating a small estate in Ontario
Once a person dies with an estate plan in place, it’s time for that plan to be enacted. Estate administration can be an involved process, but the estates of many Ontario residents are considered to be small, meaning having a value of $150,000 or less. These estates...
Do executors have to apply for probate?
Most people want to ensure that everything is in place legally for their loved ones after they have passed away. That means ensuring all documents are included in an estate plan when it comes time to put that plan to use. However, even when an estate plan is solid and...
So, you’ve been asked to be an executor
More people are realizing the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan. Such a plan in Ontario means that a testator must choose someone to do estate administration tasks when the time comes. An estate administrator is often known as an executor. Before...
What challenges could executors face in estate administration?
Having the job of executor for your loved one's estate can be arduous at times. Before you take on this role and agree to estate administration duties, you may find it helpful to know what you could be up against. There may be one pressing issue attached to the estate...