Knowledge to achieve your financial goals
Vesta Advice Series – February 27, 2026
How long does it take to settle an estate?
The Executor’s Year
One of the most common questions I hear from both executors and beneficiaries is “how long does it take before the inheritance is distributed?” The answer is the gold standard “it depends”, but today I aim to dive deeper and discuss what to expect and what can impact a distribution timeline.
It is important to understand that settling an estate is a big job, with many tasks to complete and hurdles to clear before the final step of distributing assets to the beneficiaries. Even still, a general rule of thumb to plan for is “about one year,” often referred to as the “executor’s year.” This has legal precedent behind it, as beneficiaries cannot compel an executor to distribute assets within the first year following death or grant of probate (when applicable). Additionally, BC’s Wills, Estate & Succession Act imposes a 210-day waiting period in which the executor can’t distribute assets without signed beneficiary consent or a court order following the grant of probate.
This does not tell the whole story, however – issues can arise at no fault of the executor that may slow down the process. Clear communication and expectations go a long way toward a positive experience for all parties.
What’s taking so long?
A common feeling for an executor is that of “hurry up and wait,” when an avalanche of tasks require completion at once followed by a long waiting period for a government or court process to be completed. One of the first steps many executors encounter is filing for probate, which requires detailed accounting of assets and collection of many original documents. This process can vary significantly depending on the organization and communication of the deceased, and complications take great effort and time to sort out. Furthermore, the forms and process required to apply for probate are complex and often get rejected – I always recommend an executor hire an experienced lawyer to assist in the actual filing after all information has been collected. Once submitted to the court, the average wait is another 2-4 months, and the 210-day waiting period period does not start until after probate is granted.
Another common snag comes with filing for a tax clearance certificate from the CRA, which verifies all taxes and penalties have been paid by the estate and there are no further amounts owing. Processing time from the CRA can take up to an additional 120 days, and this is often one of the last steps before distribution.
These are two of the more common hold-ups, but know that there are many more roadblocks or complications that can slow down the executor’s task.
What can I do?
If you’re planning your own estate, know that good planning and preparation can go a long way in helping your executor settle your estate quickly. The most effective step you can take is consistent across nearly all estate planning topics: communicate your wishes clearly. The primary role of your executor is to ensure your wishes are fulfilled, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page about what to expect is essential.
There are some actions you can take ahead of time to simplify or speed up your legacy goals, although take caution to fully understand the full implications of each option. You may wish to make a gift during your life, bypassing the whole process for some of the assets altogether. Alternatively, you can name direct beneficiaries on a life insurance policy or registered investment plan to bypass the estate. Many other options like this exist as well but should not be approached without full consideration and advice. A common reason for an estate to run into complications and grind to a halt is improper use of these tools.
If you are an executor and feeling overwhelmed, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional for advice. Vesta is happy to provide support with executor services as needed, and numerous trust companies are also available to help around BC.
If you are a beneficiary and are concerned that the executor is not performing their duties or communicating well, you may approach the court and ask a judge to compel the executor to pass accounts after a year has passed. However, this can have the effect of slowing things even more, as it takes time to provide the judge all information to decide and the court will consider the circumstances and whether the executor has been reasonable.
I hope you have found this article helpful! Please be aware that this information is intended for the province of British Columbia and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have any questions or need estate assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for reading!
References
How Long Does an Executor Have to Settle an Estate?
How Long Does it Take to Receive Inheritance From a Will?
How Long Does an Executor Have to Settle an Estate?
How Long Does It Take to Settle an Estate?
How Long Does an Executor Have to Distribute Funds to Beneficiaries?
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