Cars, boats and other motorized vehicles must be secured, distributed to beneficiaries if directed by the Will or otherwise appraised and liquidated. Here's how I can help:

• Arrange for and attend at appraisals, as necessary
• Attend to the paperwork required for the transfer of the vehicle
• Arrange for the recovery of vehicles and delivery to purchasers or beneficiaries

If a loved one was engaged in business at the time of death, the Executor may also have to wind up a business. Here's how I can help:

• Assist in determining if a succession plan was in place such that the responsibility for winding up the business has been taken on by the loved one's business partner or successor
• Co-ordinate with professional regulators to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in closing a business, handling client information and other property
• Assist with the cancellation of office services, utilities, rental agreements
• Attend at the business premises to assist in the collection of personal affects, disposition of business contents
• Organize supplies and attend to packing, delivery and disposal of contents

The Executor must make funerary arrangements in accordance with the deceased's wishes. Here's how I can help:

• Provide a task list for you and assist in working with family to divide roles and responsibilities
• Assist you in attending to funeral arrangements, funeral cards and service programs
• Assist with death notices, memorial invitations, hall rentals, catering and other arrangements

Bank accounts, investments and insurance proceeds need to be identified, collected and paid to beneficiaries, if so designated, or into the Estate Account.  Safety deposit boxes need to be collected, contents reviewed and attended to. Here's how I can help:

• Assist in the collection of necessary paperwork
• Assist with communications and instructions to financial institutions for the delivery of records and release of funds to the Estate Account
• Assist with communications and instructions to financial institutions regarding the transfer or liquidation of life insurance policies, GICs, RRIFs, RRSPs and other investments
• Attend with you at financial institutions to give effect to your instructions / attend to issues as they arise

The contents of each property need to be secured and the value included in the probate application.  In accordance with the terms of the Will, contents need to be released to beneficiaries, divided among beneficiaries, liquidated or donated.  Here's how I can help:

• Facilitate valuation of contents for inclusion in probate application
• Provide a plan for the orderly management of contents
• Assist in categorizing and sorting contents and preparing for choice selection by the beneficiaries
• Attend on the day(s) contents will be divided between the beneficiaries and orchestrate the choice by turn process
• Facilitate the auction or liquidation of contents
• Organize supplies and pack contents for disposition, donation
• Arrange for delivery of contents for donation or disposal

These items often need to be appraised to be included in probate, to be liquidated or to inform how they will be divided among beneficiaries. Here's how I can help:

• Sort and inventory the items as may be required
• Arrange appraisals/liquidation
• Attend on the day(s) these assets will be divided between the beneficiaries and orchestrate the choice by turn process
• Facilitate the auction or liquidation of these assets
• Organize supplies and pack items for disposition or donation
• Arrange for delivery of contents for donation or disposal

Hired professionals such as lawyers, accountants, financial advisers and realtors are necessary in the administration of an estate. As their areas of expertise often impact each other, it is important to ensure each has the information they need. Here's how I can help:

• Assist in collecting information required by your hired professional (eg. property surveys, records and other documents)
• Assist you identifying issues to be raised with your hired professionals (lawyer, accountant, realtor etc)
• Assist you to clarify misunderstandings and delays
• Facilitate the exchange of information with your retained professionals, without compromising privileged communications with your lawyer
• Assist you with these communications and follow-ups to ensure you are serviced and your matter is resolved

Disputes in the family during the administration of an estate are common. With every additional sibling, the likelihood of conflict increases. While it's normal to have disputes among family members, it is particularly difficult to cope with them during the administration of an Estate.  Here's how I can help:

• Work with you to anticipate family upsets and avoid them
• Guide you in addressing upsets as they arise
• Suggest the intervention of your estate lawyer as may be prudent
• Support you in continuing with the administration of the estate while navigating ongoing family challenges