The Executor, also known as a personal representative, is responsible for administering the estate of the deceased. Below are details of the more important duties that may be involved.

• arranging and paying for the funeral;
• reviewing and understanding the will;...

• locating, understanding and filing claims for any life insurance;
• attending to day-to-day matters: 
  • re-routing mail- destroying charge cards;
  • cancelling subscriptions;
  • co-op equity payout etc.;
• getting information on the beneficiaries and family members names, addresses, birth dates etc.;
• getting information in order to inventory the estate;
• locating bank accounts, safety deposit boxes, notifying the banks of death;
• contacting the employer to collect any unpaid wages and benefits;
• valuing the estate as at the date of the death, obtaining appraisals if needed;
• arranging for storage of assets;
• making a list of the deceased’s liabilities;
• seeing a lawyer to probate the will;
• filing claims for government benefits (CPP etc.);
• opening estate bank accounts, paying debts;
• scheduling the cash needs of the estate;
• deciding if assets need to be sold (ensure that the terms of the will are complied with);
• filing tax returns (see an accountant);
  • Note: beneficiaries should not be paid until a Tax Clearance Certificate is obtained otherwise you are personally liable for the tax payable;
• tax planning post death (consult a tax expert if necessary).