Legal guide
What Does an Executor Do in British Columbia?
An executor is responsible for administering an estate under the will and applicable law. The work begins with securing information and property, not handing assets to beneficiaries.
Last reviewed: August 13, 2026
The first days are about protection and authority
Locate the original will, confirm who is named, obtain proof of death and secure the home, vehicles, mail and important records. Notify insurers where needed. Do not assume an old photocopy is the final will.
Funeral arrangements, dependants and perishable or at-risk property may create immediate tasks. Keep receipts for reasonable expenses advanced personally.
Build the estate inventory
List real estate, accounts, investments, insurance, pensions, business interests, vehicles, personal property and debts. Record ownership and available date-of-death values.
The executor may need probate to deal with certain assets. Institutions can have different requirements, so identify each holder before deciding no grant is necessary.
Paying and distributing require care
Taxes, debts, claims and administration costs generally need attention before final distribution. Keep estate funds separate and maintain a ledger with supporting statements.
Beneficiaries should receive appropriate information, but an executor facing a dispute should avoid premature distribution. Releases or accounts may be appropriate before the file closes.
Questions people often ask
Is this guide legal advice?
No. It provides general information. A complete answer requires the facts, documents, applicable law and current procedure for the individual matter.