What Executors Actually Do
An executor (in Ontario, formally called an "estate trustee") is responsible for administering the deceased's estate according to the will. The role typically takes 6–24 months and involves both legal and personal tasks.
Key responsibilities include:
- Locating and filing the will
- Applying for a Certificate of Appointment (probate) if required
- Notifying government agencies (CRA, Service Canada, CPP/OAS)
- Identifying, valuing, and protecting estate assets
- Paying debts, taxes, and expenses before distributing to beneficiaries
- Preparing and filing the final tax return (and potentially a T3 estate return)
- Distributing the estate and obtaining releases from beneficiaries
The Hardest Part: It's Personal
Most executor guides focus on paperwork. What they underestimate is the emotional weight — administering someone's estate while grieving, often while managing conflict among beneficiaries.
Building a support team matters:
- Estate lawyer for legal filings and advice
- Accountant for the final and estate tax returns
- Financial advisor to help with registered account rollovers, investment decisions, and beneficiary payments
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Start Before You're Needed
The best time to prepare is before the role becomes active. Ask the person who named you where their will, insurance policies, and financial accounts are located. We provide a Personal Records Organizer to help clients get organized — available on our Resources page.
Heidi Blondin Financial provides estate planning guidance as part of comprehensive financial planning. Insurance products are offered through Qualified Financial Services.
Mutual funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc.
Insurance solutions provided in Ontario and New Brunswick, through Heidi Blondin Financial / Qualified Financial Services.
The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This article was prepared by Heidi Blondin who is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) at Heidi Blondin Financial a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability.