What to do when someone as died: a general checklist for executor

In most cases, if you are named as executor of someone’s estate, they are a family member or close friend. So in addition to taking on the role, you’ll also likely be dealing with grief.  This checklist provides you a list of things that you should do, and helping you to stay organized while you are dealing with grief.

First Steps

• Record the date of death
• Record all decisions made, steps taken and financial transactions
• Considering hire a estate lawyer to assist you with administration
• Contact the BC Vital Statistics Agency to search for a notice of will and obtain a death certificate
• Review the will and confirm executor appointment

Arranging the Funeral and Death Benefits

• Contact a funeral service provider to make a funeral arrangement
• Contact life insurance company to obtain benefits, if applicable
• You may need to contact Medical Services Plan to cancel MSP health insurance coverage
• Contact Canada Post to forward mail, if applicable
• Call Service Canada to notify them of the death to obtain information about Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security (and related pensions) and benefits that may be available after death
• Contact Service BC if the deceased was receiving any supplement, subsidy or any provincial benefits
• Contact any private benefit plan administrator to advise of the death and to determine eligibility for survivor benefits or benefit coverage for dependants
• Cancel the deceased's driver's licence at a local driver licensing office
• Cancel the deceased's passport at Passport Canada
• Cancel the deceased's Social Insurance Number at Service Canada

Administrating the Estate

• Consider hiring a lawyer regarding probate procedure or to obtain a letter of administration
  
• Locate estate assets and safety deposit box, if applicable
  
• If there is a will, apply to the court for a grant of probate; if there is no will, apply for a letter of administration
  
• Notify hydro, cable, telephone or any utilities providers to change the name on the accounts, forward the bills, or cancel the services
  
• Contact ICBC or any private insurance provider to cancel auto insurance
• Contact banks and other financial institutions to transfer accounts held solely by the deceased into the name of the estate
  
• Contact credit card companies to remove the deceased's name from account or to cancel them
• Real Properties:
  • if the deceased owned real estate, change the name on title to the name of the estate or transmit to the survivor joint tenant(s)
  • if the deceased was a tenant, contact the landlord to arrange for vacating the property and settle the final account
  • if the deceased was a landlord, locate a copy of the lease and contact the tenant to arrange for future payment or arrangement
• Pay debts owned by the deceased and settle any legal action against the deceased with the help of a lawyer, if applicable
• Contact an accountant to file required tax returns and apply for clearance certificate from CRA

Winding up the Estate

• Prepare detailed accounting of payments made in administering the estate and obtain approval from beneficiaries or the court
• Distribute assets of estate to beneficiaries according to the terms of the will