As a beneficiary of an Ontario estate, what information am I entitled to receive?

As a beneficiary of an Ontario estate, you have the right to know that you have an interest in the estate, to receive a copy of the will, and to receive reasonable information about the estate's assets, liabilities, and administration. These rights flow from the executor's fiduciary duty of loyalty and transparency to all beneficiaries.

At a minimum, beneficiaries should be notified of the death and their interest in the will within a reasonable time. They are entitled to receive a copy of the will on request — the executor must provide this. As the estate progresses, beneficiaries can request accounts showing what came into the estate, what expenses were paid, what distributions were made, and what the estate is currently worth.

If the executor is not communicating, not providing accounts, or making distributions without explanation, beneficiaries can write formally requesting an accounting. If the executor continues to refuse, the beneficiary can apply to court for an order compelling the executor to pass accounts.

Residuary beneficiaries (those who share in the leftover estate after specific gifts) generally have the broadest right to information since every estate expense affects their share. Specific gift beneficiaries (who receive a named item or amount) have a right to know when and how their gift will be delivered.

An estate litigation lawyer can advise on the most effective steps to take if you are not receiving information you are entitled to.