☐ Obtain the original Death Certificate and several certified copies.

☐ Locate the original Will and any codicils.

☐ Arrange funeral, burial, cremation, or memorial services.

☐ Secure the deceased's residence, vehicle, valuables, and important documents.

☐ Redirect mail and preserve important records.

☐ Notify immediate family members and key advisors.

☐ Obtain legal advice regarding your responsibilities as Estate Trustee.

☐ Review the Will carefully.

☐ Confirm who has been appointed as Estate Trustee (Executor).

☐ Determine whether a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (Probate) is required.

☐ Consult an estate lawyer regarding the probate process and required court filings.

☐ Apply for a Certificate of Appointment if necessary.

☐ Identify all properties owned by the deceased.

☐ Obtain title searches if necessary.

☐ Determine whether properties were jointly owned.

☐ Obtain current property valuations.

☐ Identify all bank accounts.

☐ Identify investment accounts, RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, GICs and pensions.

☐ Determine whether beneficiary designations exist.

☐ Inventory vehicles.

☐ Inventory jewellery, artwork, collectibles and valuables.

☐ Inventory household contents.

☐ Identify corporations, partnerships or shareholder interests.

☐ Obtain corporate records if applicable.

☐ Mortgages.

☐ Lines of credit.

☐ Credit cards.

☐ Personal loans.

☐ Tax liabilities.

☐ Notify banks and investment firms.

☐ Notify insurance companies.

☐ Notify Canada Revenue Agency.

☐ Notify Service Canada regarding CPP, OAS and other benefits.

☐ Notify pension administrators.

☐ Notify property insurers.

☐ Notify utility providers.

☐ Notify landlords or tenants if applicable.

☐ Cancel unnecessary subscriptions and memberships.

☐ Obtain Estate Trustee documentation.

☐ Open an estate bank account.

☐ Deposit estate funds into the estate account.

☐ Ensure all estate expenses are paid from the estate account.

☐ Avoid mixing personal and estate funds.

☐ Obtain appraisals for real estate.

☐ Obtain investment valuations as of date of death.

☐ Obtain business valuations if required.

☐ Determine fair market value of significant personal property.

☐ Prepare a complete asset and liability statement.

☐ Calculate the value of the probate estate.

☐ Determine Estate Administration Tax payable.

☐ Maintain insurance coverage.

☐ Secure vacant properties.

☐ Arrange maintenance of real estate.

☐ Collect income owing to the estate.

☐ Manage investments prudently.

☐ Preserve business operations if applicable.

☐ Maintain proper accounting records.

☐ Funeral expenses.

☐ Legal fees.

☐ Accounting fees.

☐ Probate fees.

☐ Outstanding debts.

☐ Mortgage payments.

☐ Credit cards.

☐ Taxes.

☐ Other valid creditor claims.

☐ Consider advertising for creditors if appropriate.

☐ Retain an accountant if necessary.

☐ File the deceased's Final T1 Return.

☐ File any outstanding prior-year returns.

☐ File Estate (T3) Returns if required.

☐ Address capital gains tax issues.

☐ Address business tax issues if applicable.

☐ Obtain CRA Clearance Certificate before final distribution.

☐ Notify beneficiaries of their interests.

☐ Provide updates regarding administration progress.

☐ Respond to reasonable information requests.

☐ Keep copies of important correspondence.

☐ Manage expectations regarding timelines.

☐ Confirm all debts have been paid.

☐ Confirm tax obligations have been satisfied.

☐ Obtain legal advice before making final distributions.

☐ Prepare beneficiary distribution calculations.

☐ Transfer assets to beneficiaries.

☐ Obtain signed Releases from beneficiaries.

☐ Prepare final estate accounts.

☐ Obtain beneficiary approval of accounts.

☐ Obtain CRA Clearance Certificate.

☐ Make final distributions.

☐ Close estate bank account.

☐ Retain records for future reference.

☐ Complete administration of the estate.

✔ Keep detailed records of every transaction.

✔ Never mix estate funds with personal funds.

✔ Do not distribute the estate too early.

✔ Obtain tax advice where necessary.

✔ Consider obtaining legal advice before making major decisions.

✔ Estate Trustees have personal responsibilities and potential liability if the estate is not administered properly.