Can you name a professional executor in BC?

Yes. Trust companies and some law firms offer professional executor services. They charge fees (typically a percentage of the estate) but provide expertise and neutrality. This can be a good option when there is no suitable family member or when family dynamics make a personal executor risky.

Planning

How to Choose an Executor for Your Will in BC

Q: Who can be an executor in BC?

Any adult (19 or older in BC) who is mentally capable can serve as an executor. There are no residency requirements — your executor can live outside BC, though this may create practical challenges. The executor can also be a beneficiary of the will.

Q: Should I name co-executors?

You can, but it's generally not recommended unless there's a specific reason. Co-executors must agree on all decisions, which can slow the process and create conflicts. If you want checks and balances, consider naming one executor with an obligation to consult specific people on major decisions.

Your executor handles everything after you die — paying debts, filing taxes, distributing assets. Choose the wrong person and your estate suffers. Here's how to choose well.

Updated April 2026 · 7 min read

Key Takeaways

Any mentally capable adult can be your executor — including a beneficiary
Trustworthiness and organizational skills matter more than financial expertise
Always name an alternate executor
Ask the person first — being executor is a significant commitment
Co-executors often cause more problems than they solve

Who can be an executor in BC?

The legal requirements are minimal. An executor must be:

An adult (19 or older in BC)
Mentally capable

There are no residency requirements — your executor can live in another province or country, though an out-of-province executor may face practical challenges (attending to local matters, dealing with BC institutions, time zone differences).

The executor can be a beneficiary of the will. This is extremely common — many people name their spouse as both primary beneficiary and executor.

What qualities matter

Essential

Trustworthiness: The executor has significant power over your estate. They must act honestly and in the beneficiaries' best interest.
Organizational skills: Estate administration involves paperwork, deadlines, and financial management. Someone who can't manage their own affairs shouldn't manage yours.
Availability: Settling an estate takes months. The executor needs time to dedicate to the process.
Willingness: Never name someone without asking them first. Being executor is a real commitment with legal responsibilities.

Helpful but not essential

Financial knowledge: Helpful, but executors can (and should) hire professionals for tax filing, investment management, and legal questions — paid from the estate.
Proximity: Living nearby makes practical matters easier, but it's not required. Many estate tasks can be handled remotely.
Age: Consider whether your executor is likely to outlive you and be capable when needed.

Common executor choices

Spouse

The most common choice. Pros: they know your wishes, they're the primary beneficiary, they're emotionally invested. Cons: they'll be grieving, and if you die together (accident, for example), you need an alternate.

Adult child

Common for people with grown children. Risk: if you name one child and not others, it can create resentment or perceptions of favouritism. Be transparent about why.

Sibling or trusted friend

Good when no spouse or adult children are suitable. Choose someone with organizational skills and emotional maturity.

Professional executor (trust company)

Trust companies offer executor services — they're experienced, neutral, and won't die before you. Fees are typically 3-5% of the estate. Best for: complex estates, family conflict situations, or when no suitable individual exists.

Common mistakes

Not naming an alternate: If your executor dies before you, becomes incapacitated, or refuses, there's no backup. Always name at least one alternate.
Naming co-executors to be "fair": Parents sometimes name all their children as co-executors to avoid choosing. This usually backfires — co-executors must agree on everything, which slows decisions and amplifies family conflicts.
Choosing based on sentiment, not capability: Your oldest child isn't automatically the best choice. Neither is the most financially successful one. Choose based on who will do the best job.
Not telling the person: Being named as executor in a will you never knew about is an unwelcome surprise. Have the conversation now.
Not updating: If your relationship with the named executor changes, or their circumstances change, update your will.

The conversation matters. When you ask someone to be your executor, tell them: where your will is stored, the general structure of your estate, whether they'll need a lawyer (and that the estate pays for one), and what you expect. This conversation alone makes their job significantly easier.

Executor compensation in BC

Executors are entitled to compensation — typically up to 5% of the gross estate. Your will can specify a different amount. For details, see: Executor Duties in BC

Frequently asked questions

Who can be an executor in BC?

Any mentally capable adult (19+). No residency requirements. Can be a beneficiary of the will.

Can you name a professional executor?

Yes. Trust companies offer executor services for a fee (typically 3-5% of estate). Good for complex estates or family conflict situations.

Should I name co-executors?

Generally not recommended. They must agree on all decisions, which can slow the process and create conflict.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about choosing an executor in British Columbia. It is not legal advice. Consult a qualified BC lawyer for your specific situation.