BC Executor Guide — Your Duties Step by Step. Being named executor of a BC estate is a significant legal responsibility. Your duties begin immediately on the death of the testator. The first step is to locate the original will and obtain the death certificate. You must secure and protect all estate assets, notify banks and financial institutions, and arrange for the care of any property. You must notify all beneficiaries that they are named in the will. You must apply to the BC Supreme Court for a Grant of Probate, which confirms the will is valid and grants you legal authority to act. Probate applications in BC require an Inventory of Assets and Liabilities and payment of BC probate fees calculated under the Probate Fee Act. You must file the deceased's final income tax return and any outstanding returns with the Canada Revenue Agency and obtain a clearance certificate before distributing the estate. You must pay all valid debts and liabilities of the estate before distributing to beneficiaries. You must prepare a final accounting and distribute the estate to beneficiaries in accordance with the will. Executors are personally liable for errors in administration. Executor compensation in BC is governed by WESA and is typically about five percent of the gross estate value. Andrew Liggett advises executors across BC on their duties and personal liability. Independent legal advice from a BC estate lawyer is strongly recommended before taking any steps as executor. Executors can be held personally liable for mistakes — including distributing assets before clearing debts and taxes. Sea to Sky Law provides executor support and estate administration services across all of BC. Sea to Sky Law has served British Columbia families and businesses since 1991. Our approach combines practical legal advice with compassionate understanding of the human situations behind every legal matter. We serve all of BC by phone or secure video. Independent legal advice is always strongly recommended before making decisions that affect your family, your estate, or your business.