Duties of Executor - Documents, Wills & Estates

This is not an official or legal reference only my personal experience and check list that was given to me by the funeral home. I am sharing this with anyone who may like a heads up of what you might be in for as an executor, rather than getting it all thrown at you at once, while your in the grieving process. This is the purpose of me making this lens, I hope you find it helpful.
Please be sure to read the Disclaimer.
As an executor, you may run into some of the 'Money Monsters' that sometimes rear their ugly heads. Even in the most unlikeliest of family members these monsters can take over when there is inheritance involved. So, if you are dealing with overwhelming grief on top of these new responsibilities and unexpected greed within the family, I strongly suggest getting professional and emotional support to help you get through your executor duties.

This checklist is my own rendition of a list that I received from the funeral home that was compiled by the Scotia Private Client Group which consists of private client services from The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canada.

• Locate the will and review to see if there are any funeral or burial directions.

• Initiate or assist in making funeral arrangements, if necessary or meet with pastor if there is to be a memorial.

• Obtain funeral directors statement of death and apply for provincial or state certificate, most funeral homes will prepare this for you and print off multiple copies. All financial institutions will need a copy as well as the lawyer and any other places that will require proof of death.

• Locate the beneficiaries.

• Start making phone calls to financial institutions, insurance companies, brokers, employers, investment trustees to notify and determine assets and liabilities.

• Locate and obtain title documents for property, mortgages, share certificates, bonds, debentures and guaranteed investment certificates, etc.

• Arrange for the care of any vacant property or review the insurance coverage for adequacy if it will be unoccupied for any length of time.

• Check and list contents of safety deposit box, if applicable.

• Gather prior years income tax returns to prepare and file within 6 months of death.

• Find out if the deceased is entitled to any Pension Plan Death Benefits and apply if so.

• Make a list of assets and liabilities and all particulars - personally I would hire this out, as the details of interest rates, maturity dates, payment dates, etc. would be tedious to anyone who is not an accountant (again, my personal opinion).

Just to be clear, I am not a lawyer or financial advisor, I'm just my late mom's loving daughter, caregiver and executor. I hope in sharing my experiences and helpful resources that someone, maybe you, may find this really helpful in undertaking an inevitable and daunting task. I encourage you to seek advice and resources from the professionals you have in place too and have open communication with the rest of the family so they can help and support you if possible.

To your health & happiness,
Liz