Estate Administration
Winding up the affairs and life of your loved one is never an easy process. It is likely going to be more work than you expect as well.
You will be meeting with the funeral home, the lawyer, the bank, the accountant, the insurance company, etc. I may tell you one thing but the bank might tell you their procedures are different. Patience in this process is required.
Although each estate has unique aspects to it, we try to standardize this process as best we can by directly dealing with as many organizations the deceased was involved with as possible and report back to you as to the result of our efforts.
Below is some information on how we work with you in these matters.
THINGS FOR THE FIRST MEETING
- The original Last Will and Testament, if there is one; _____
- Funeral Certificate or other proof of death _____
- All information and documents about the assets of the estate including:
i. Bank Records _____
ii. Life Insurance _____
iii. Pensions _____
iv. Investments (RRSP, TFSA, Etc.) _____
v. Business interests _____
vi. Real Estate (Home and/or cottage, etc.) _____
vii. Personal Loans to individuals _____
viii. Etc. _____ - All information and documents about the debts of the estate including:
i. Credit Cards _____
ii. Lines of Credit _____
iii. Mortgages _____
iv. Personal debts owed to individuals _____
v. Monthly Bills _____
vi. Funeral expenses _____
vii. Etc. _____ - Personal Information of the Deceased
i. Is there a spouse or common-law partner?
ii. Are there any relationships that ended either by death, divorce, or separation
1. If so, what is the ex-spouses name, how did the relationship end, and when?
iii. If the deceased was married, when did they get married?
iv. Names, ages, and contact information for all beneficiaries. If there is no will, then the same information for the children of the deceased, if any. A Family Tree could be helpful.
Here is a reproduction of my engagement letter setting out, in a very dry and lawyery way, how we will work together to complete the administration of the estate.
Engagement Letter
Find attached a summary of who this process should go. It does not always go this way, as each estate is unique, but it is how it should go.