Estate Administration in British Columbia

Estate Administration Professionals

In British Columbia, people who prepare a will name a personal representative (also known as an executor) to carry out the task of estate administration. The obligations of an executor are time consuming and often the legal requirements are difficult to understand especially while dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Fortunately, you do not have to handle this alone. If you have been named as a personal representative and need assistance, an experienced estate administration professional from Vest Estate Law can help you with:

• Interpreting the will
• Court application for the estate grant
• Completing the necessary administration paperwork
• Paying debts and taxes
• Identifying and distributing assets to beneficiaries
• Providing care for the deceased’s dependents (if necessary)
• Estate Litigation, if necessary

What is the Wills, Estates and Succession Act of British Columbia?

British Columbia’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act (“WESA”) governs the estate administration tasks performed after a person dies in the province. The Act grants fiduciary obligations to a personal representative to administer the estate according to the laws outlined in the Act. Duties must be performed honestly and in accordance with the deceased’s wishes.

Estate Administration Checklist

The basic duties of a personal representative include:

1. Locate the most recent last will
2. Arrange the funeral, if no family available
3. Apply for an estate grant
4. List assets, debts, and beneficiaries
5. Secure the deceased’s assets
6. Notify beneficiaries
7. Write a public notice to creditors
8. Locate, gather, and dispose of assets
9. Pay debts and expenses
10. Prepare a financial statement
11. Distribute assets to beneficiaries

What if there is no will or Personal Representative?

If a person passes away without a will (intestate), the Supreme Court of British Columbia will appoint an estate representative. This application is similar to a probate application and once the estate grant is issued by the Court, the personal representative is governed by the same legal obligations as an executor. If you would like to apply for an estate grant for an intestate estate, and one of our experienced estate administration professionals can assist with this process.

Estate Administration

The estate professionals at Vest Estate Law can help you administer a loved one’s estate efficiently and effectively so that you can take the time to grieve your loved one and complete the estate in the best interest of the beneficiaries. Contact us through the web form to book a meet and greet with one of our estate professionals.