Vesta Advice Series – August 31, 2026

Acting as an executor is a big job, and the experience follows a similar pattern for many people.  At first, there is a sense of honour – and maybe a little trepidation – of being named as an executor by a friend or loved one.  Then, when the time comes to act, many people report feeling overwhelmed by the combination of grief and stress that comes with the rapid-fire number of tasks to be completed on short notice.  Finally, as the months go on and the task list seems unending, exhaustion starts to set in.

Fortunately, a solid plan can mitigate many of these feelings.  I have previously written about preemptive estate planning strategies to leave behind a simpler estate, and today’s article focuses on the reactive steps an executor can take when beginning their executorship.

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Determining Estate Assets

Determining what assets are in the estate is one of the first administrative tasks that most executors undertake, both as a requirement of probate and as a necessity to understand what value you’re responsible for in the first place.  It takes significant time and attention to sort through financial records and personal belongings, but an accurate understanding of what forms the estate is essential to moving forward.   Sorting this information into a simple and easy to read document can save hours and costly mistakes.  Additionally, when there are multiple beneficiaries, consider listing any items that may have emotional significance.

Determining which assets are included in the estate – and which assets are not – is outside the scope of this article, but take care to ensure that you understand how each asset is treated for any potential tax implications.  Should you be uncertain or need any advice, I always recommend reaching out to a professional advisor – the cost of advice is minimal compared to the cost of fixing a mistake down the road.

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The Task List

Creating a list of tasks to be completed can feel like a big undertaking and time-sink up front, but having an easy document to reference will save many hours over the long term.  I recommend listing all the tasks you can think of, including ones you have already completed, and leaving space to add notes as needed.  Having a predetermined place to write down details will both keep things more organized and serve as a record of what you’ve accomplished.

Understanding everything that needs to be done as an executor is difficult, and there is no simple checklist as each estate is unique.  Fortunately, there are numerous resources; many funeral homes, law groups and financial institutions have some form of literature, and I recommend cross-referencing multiple sources.  Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask for help, as an experienced executor or professional advisor can help ensure that you’ve covered your bases.

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Beneficiary Communication

Creating a communication plan with the estate’s beneficiaries is an often overlooked and critical component of being an effective executor.  Most beneficiaries do not understand the magnitude of the work that goes into the role of executor and quickly grow impatient that the estate is taking “too long.”  Likewise, many executors feel nagged and pressured by beneficiaries asking for continuous updates and giving thankless criticisms.

I recommend reaching out to beneficiaries early in your executorship and establishing a communication plan.  By understanding each beneficiary’s needs and questions, as well as scheduling future updates, you can avoid a great deal of wasted time and discontent.

Ultimately, an executor owes a duty of clear and accurate disclosure to an estate’s beneficiaries, but communication breakdown is one of the most common challenges an estate will face.  It can help to remember that most beneficiaries have no idea how difficult being an executor is, and their frustration can feel unfair.  Establishing a good rapport and communicating expectations is well worth the time.

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Diarize!

One of the most common pieces of advice you’ll hear as an executor is to keep receipts.  I would go one step further and say that you should keep a record of everything you do in relation to the estate.  Waited on hold for an hour to cancel the telephone bill? Write down the date, time, and what they said.  Sent an e-mail to a beneficiary that never replied? Note when and how you sent it, and whether you’d asked for a reply.  Did you take the afternoon off work to sell the deceased’s vehicle, only to have someone not show up?  Mark it down.  You get the idea.

Similarly, make checklists and keep a calendar to ensure tasks do not get forgotten midway through.  Executors are usually juggling many tasks, and setting follow-up and reminder notes will keep you on track.

There’s a reason that this advice gets repeated often: it’s good advice, it’s simple, and it makes a difference.

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I hope that you have found this article helpful, and that it makes your executorship feel a little less daunting.  Although this is intended to assist in creating a framework for an executor plan, know that it is not inclusive and should not be taken as legal advice.  I encourage you to reach out to a professional for any legal or tax inquiries.

Vesta offers professional executor guidance should you need assistance in creating a plan.  We also offer agent for executor services should you need someone to act on your behalf.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.  Thanks for reading!

 

 

References

https://www.grbbank.com/resource/how-executors-can-navigate-emotions-in-estate-settlement/

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/after-death/wills-estates

https://macushlaw.ca/understanding-the-difference-between-estate-and-non-estate-assets/

https://onyxlaw.ca/estates-and-trusts-law/vancouver-estate-litigation-lawyer/what-is-an-estate-asset/

https://onyxlaw.ca/what-to-do-when-the-executor-is-not-communicating-with-beneficiaries/

https://www.parrbusinesslaw.com/blog/executor-duties-bc