What is the first thing an executor should do in BC?

Find the original will, get death certificates, arrange the funeral, and secure the deceased's home and property. Then notify banks, Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency, and list every asset and debt.

How long does an executor have to wait before distributing an estate in BC?

At least 210 days after the grant of probate, unless every beneficiary consents or the court orders otherwise (WESA section 155). The wait covers the 180-day period for wills variation claims.

Which forms does an executor file for probate in BC?

Form P1 (Notice of Proposed Application) is sent to beneficiaries and family at least 21 days before filing. The filing itself includes Form P2 (Submission for Estate Grant), the executor's affidavit (Form P3 or P4), Form P9 (Affidavit of Delivery), Form P10 (Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities), the original will and a wills notice search certificate.

BC Executor Checklist (Printable, 2026)

1. The first days

Usually the first week

Find the original will and any codicils. Check the person's papers, the lawyer or notary who prepared it, and any safety deposit box. Order death certificates from BC Vital Statistics. Banks, insurers and the court all want proof of death. Arrange the funeral, following any wishes in the will. Reasonable funeral costs can be paid from the estate. Secure the property. Lock up the home, keep the home and car insurance in force, and protect valuables. Redirect the mail through Canada Post so bills and statements reach you.

2. Notify people and list everything

Usually the first month

Notify banks and investment firms. Accounts are usually frozen until you show your authority as executor. Notify Service Canada to stop CPP and OAS payments, and apply for the CPP death benefit and any survivor's pension. Notify the Canada Revenue Agency of the date of death. Cancel the driver's licence (ICBC), passport, credit cards and subscriptions. Contact life insurers and pension plans. Money with a named beneficiary goes straight to that person, not through the estate. List every asset and debt with its value on the date of death. You'll need this list for the probate forms. Open an estate bank account once you can, and pay estate costs only from it. Never mix estate money with your own.

3. Apply for probate, if it's needed

Often months 1 to 4

Decide whether you need probate. It's usually required for BC real estate in the person's name alone and for larger bank or investment accounts. See the BC probate process. Order a wills notice search from the BC Wills Registry (Vital Statistics). The court needs the search certificate. Send Form P1 (Notice of Proposed Application) to every beneficiary, the spouse and children, and anyone who would inherit if there were no will. Send it at least 21 days before you file. Prepare the filing: Form P2 (Submission for Estate Grant), your affidavit (Form P3 or P4), Form P9 (Affidavit of Delivery) and Form P10 (Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities), with the original will and the wills search certificate. Pay the probate fee and the $200 filing fee when you file. Work out the amount with the probate fees calculator.

4. After the grant: collect, pay and file taxes

Often months 3 to 12

Collect the assets. Move accounts into the estate account, transfer or sell investments, and transfer or sell real estate through the Land Title Office. Advertise for creditors in the BC Gazette (WESA section 154) and allow at least 30 days for claims. It protects you from claims you didn't know about. Pay valid debts, funeral costs and estate expenses from the estate account. File the final income tax return (and any unfiled earlier years). It's due April 30 of the next year, or 6 months after the death if that is later. File estate (T3) returns for income the estate earns after the death, if required. Ask the CRA for a clearance certificate (Form TX19) before the final distribution, so you aren't personally on the hook for unpaid tax.

5. Distribute and close the estate

Not before 210 days after the grant

Wait 210 days from the grant before distributing, unless every beneficiary consents or a court orders otherwise (WESA section 155). This covers the window for wills variation claims. Prepare the estate accounts: what came in, what was paid out, any executor fee, and the proposed distribution. See the executor fee calculator. Get each beneficiary's written approval of the accounts and a signed release. Distribute the estate as the will directs, or under the intestacy rules if there is no will. Keep your records for several years.

Stuck on a step? Read Executor Duties in BC for the legal duties behind this list, or see what to ask an estate lawyer if the estate is complex or someone is disputing it.

Other BC estate tools

BC Probate Fees Calculator → BC Executor Fee Calculator → Who Inherits Without a Will? →

Disclaimer: This checklist is general information about estate administration in British Columbia, not legal or tax advice. Every estate is different, and some steps may not apply or may come in a different order. Consult a BC lawyer, notary or accountant about a specific estate.