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Catherine Phillips
Estate Services

Executor

Assistance

 

Help is Here

 As an Executor, it is truly an honour to carry out our loved one's requests. It is also a lengthy and challenging role, which must blend with professional and personal obligations. Every Executor needs help of some sort along the way: from estate professionals, lawyers, accountants and realtors, to supportive family members and helpful neighbours.  Here are the most common requests for assistance:

 

  • The Estate has an abundance of household contents. Where do I start and how do I keep the process organized?

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    I can get you started with a process to follow, supplies and a plan to help you sort, divide and distribute these assets. Where assets are to be divided between beneficiaries, I can be on-hand to assist with an orderly turn-by-turn choice process. Packing and delivering the remaining items for donation, auction, etc. is also something I can do or arrange. I can help as much or as little as you need. Learn more here: PROPERTY CONTENTS

  • What records do I need to keep for the Estate and how do I maintain them?

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    Estate Accounting and record keeping can be daunting at the outset. I have templates and a system that simplifies this task.  

    Learn more here: ESTATE ACCOUNTING

  • I live a distance from the Estate property or can't be there as often as I'd like. Can you attend on-site for me?

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    Yes, I can. Administering an Estate requires a considerable amount of hands-on work and in-person attendances, particularly when there is real property or a large amount of personal effects.  If you live a distance from the property(ies), are juggling a career or other personal obligations, I can attend to many tasks for you.  We can determine the best approach together.

    Learn more here: SERVICES

  • The Estate has jewelry and items that may be antiques.  
    How do I know what needs to be appraised?

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    It's not easy to know what needs to be appraised and it can be difficult to find local appraisers.  Executors often feel vulnerable attending to this task because they are unfamiliar with the process yet obligated to obtain the best valuation.  In addition, when it comes to dividing assets, this category often causes the most conflict among beneficiaries, especially as these items are also often sentimental.  I can assist with the valuation process, division and liquidation.

    Learn more here: JEWELRY & ANTIQUES

  • I need help with physical lifting and other manual jobs.
    Can you help with on-site tasks?

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    Absolutely, I can. Sorting and moving household contents is the most common heavy-lifting task. Preparatory work prior to the sale of property is another high-energy job. I can attend to many of these tasks for you. Where the task is large-scale, I can source and oversee hired workers.  

    Learn more here: SERVICES

  • Can you assist in my communications with the Estate lawyer, accountant, realtor, financial advisor, etc.?  

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    The best way to optimize Estate administration is by ensuring your hired professionals have all the information they need in order to give you timely advice.  I can assist you in identifying issues to be raised with your hired professionals and more.

    Learn more here: WORKING WITH PROFESSIONALS

  • I am anticipating or dealing with conflict in the family.
    How can you help?

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    Conflict during the administration of the Estate is common.  Dispute resolution is part and parcel of my 20+ years of legal experience.  I can help you focus on implementing your loved one's final wishes while navigating conflict.  

    Learn more here: FAMILY CONFLICT

About Me

SERVING

The Greater Toronto Area

and Beyond

 

Catherine Phillips

Estate Services