Receiving a phone call that you've been named as an executor is rarely something you expect. It often comes after the loss of someone you cared deeply about.

While you are grieving, family members begin asking questions. Banks request documents. Financial institutions need information. Before long, you may find yourself wondering whether you're doing everything correctly.

If you've recently been appointed as an executor, you're not alone.

For most people, this is their first experience administering an estate.

At Bridgestone Law, we regularly help executors throughout Calgary and Alberta who feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities that come with settling a loved one's estate. The good news is that you are not expected to know everything from day one.

Understanding your responsibilities is the first step toward administering the estate with confidence.

What Does an Executor Actually Do?

An executor is the person responsible for dealing with a deceased person's estate according to their will and Alberta law.

Think of the executor as the person responsible for carrying out someone's final instructions.

Rather than simply distributing an inheritance, an executor oversees the entire estate administration process from beginning to end.

Depending on the circumstances, that may involve working with family members, banks, accountants, financial advisors, government agencies, and sometimes a probate lawyer.

Every estate is different, but the executor's role always carries an important legal responsibility to act honestly, carefully, and in the best interests of the estate.

Your Responsibilities Begin Sooner Than You May Think

Many people assume their job begins once probate has been granted.

In reality, an executor's responsibilities often begin immediately after the death.

One of the first priorities is locating the original signed will.

Without it, determining who has legal authority to administer the estate can become much more complicated.

You will also need to obtain certified copies of the death certificate and begin identifying the deceased's assets and liabilities.

This often includes contacting banks, reviewing financial records, locating insurance policies, and determining whether any assets pass directly to a surviving joint owner or named beneficiary.

Although this may seem like a lot, remember that you do not have to complete everything at once. Estate administration is a process, not a single event.

Protecting the Estate

One of an executor's most important responsibilities is protecting the estate until it can be administered.

Imagine that your aunt owned a home that now sits vacant.

Who makes sure the insurance company is notified?

Who arranges for the property to be secured?

Who ensures mortgage payments or utility bills continue to be addressed?

These responsibilities often fall to the executor.

The same applies to vehicles, valuable personal belongings, investment accounts, and other estate assets.

Protecting the estate early helps preserve its value for the beneficiaries and reduces the likelihood of unnecessary complications later.

Determining Whether Probate Is Required

Not every estate requires probate.

However, many executors discover that banks, investment firms, or the Alberta Land Titles Office require a Grant of Probate before releasing assets or transferring property.

One of the executor's responsibilities is determining whether probate is necessary.

For some estates, the answer is relatively straightforward.

Others require a more detailed review of the assets and how they were owned.

This is often one of the first questions executors ask us.

Obtaining guidance early can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the correct process is followed from the beginning.

Identifying Assets and Debts

Before any inheritance can be distributed, the executor needs a clear understanding of what forms part of the estate.

That means identifying assets such as:

• real estate

• bank accounts

• investments

• vehicles

• business interests

• valuable personal property

It also means identifying debts and financial obligations. These may include:

• mortgages

• credit cards

• personal loans

• income taxes

• funeral expenses

Many first-time executors are surprised by how much information must be gathered before any decisions can be made.

Think of it like putting together a complete financial picture.

Only once you know what the estate owns and what it owes can you move forward confidently.

Keeping Beneficiaries Informed

Communication is one of the most overlooked parts of estate administration.

Beneficiaries are often grieving as well.

They may not understand how probate works or why the process takes time.

A good executor keeps beneficiaries reasonably informed throughout the administration of the estate. That does not mean providing daily updates. It does mean communicating honestly, answering reasonable questions, and explaining the major steps in the process.

Clear communication often helps prevent misunderstandings before they develop into disagreements.

Paying Debts Before Distributing the Estate

One of the biggest mistakes an executor can make is distributing the estate too early.

Imagine this situation.

An executor distributes the inheritance shortly after the funeral because everyone in the family gets along and no one objects.

Several months later, unexpected tax obligations arise.

The estate no longer has enough money to pay them.

In some situations, an executor who distributes assets too early could face personal liability.

For that reason, debts, taxes, and estate expenses should generally be addressed before the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

Although waiting can be difficult, it helps protect both the estate and the executor.

Keeping Accurate Records

Throughout the administration of the estate, the executor should maintain careful records.

This includes documenting:

• money received

• expenses paid

• property sold

• communications with beneficiaries

• distributions made from the estate

Good record keeping serves two purposes.

First, it helps the executor stay organized.

Second, it provides transparency if beneficiaries have questions about how the estate was administered.

Many executors find that simple spreadsheets, organized files, and copies of important correspondence make the process much easier.

Do Executors Get Paid?

This is another common question.

In Alberta, an executor may be entitled to fair and reasonable compensation for the work involved in administering the estate.

The amount depends on the circumstances of each estate, including its complexity, the time involved, and the responsibilities carried out by the executor.

Many executors who are close family members choose not to accept compensation. Others do.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and legal advice may be helpful where questions arise.

When Should an Executor Ask for Help?

Many people believe asking for legal guidance means they have done something wrong.

In reality, the opposite is often true.

Seeking advice early can help prevent problems before they occur.

You may benefit from speaking with a probate lawyer if:

• you are unsure whether probate is required

• the estate includes real estate or business interests

• the will is unclear

• beneficiaries disagree

• you have concerns about your responsibilities

• you simply want reassurance that you are handling the estate correctly

Most executors only administer one or two estates in their lifetime.

There is nothing unusual about asking questions along the way.

You Do Not Have to Navigate Estate Administration Alone

Being named as an executor is both an honour and a significant responsibility.

It can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are also coping with the loss of someone close to you.

The good news is that you do not have to have all the answers immediately.

Estate administration is a process that unfolds one step at a time.

With the right guidance, it becomes much more manageable.

At Bridgestone Law, we help executors throughout Calgary understand their legal responsibilities, determine whether probate is required, prepare probate applications, and administer estates with confidence.

Our role is to provide practical advice in plain language so you always know what comes next.

If you have recently been named as an executor and would like guidance tailored to your circumstances, we would be pleased to help.

Contact Bridgestone Law today to schedule a consultation and receive practical, compassionate guidance through every stage of estate administration.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on Alberta law. It is not legal advice. Every estate planning situation is unique. If you require legal advice about your will or estate plan, you should consult an Alberta lawyer.