How do I contact the Public Guardian and Trustee about a deceased person's estate in Manitoba?
This answer covers the law of Manitoba.
Call the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT), say your call is about a deceased estate, and give the deceased person's last name; you are connected to the Estates Department. The Winnipeg office is at Suite 500, 155 Carlton Street, and the phone number is (204) 945-2700, with a Brandon office at (204) 726-7025 and a toll-free line at 800-282-8069. Unscheduled drop-in service is not available.
If you may be an heir, give the deceased's last name and your relationship to them; the PGT does not charge for this, and heirs are told how to prove their identity if found to be heirs. The PGT describes itself as an administrator of last resort, acting only when no one else is willing, capable and appropriate. It is not required to accept an appointment unless a court orders it.
Keep the deceased's personal papers available, because they can help the PGT identify next of kin. Estate assets must cover debts before will beneficiaries inherit. Which documents the PGT will ask for is something to confirm when you call.
Key takeaways
- Call the PGT, say it is about a deceased estate, and give the deceased's last name to be connected to the Estates Department.
- The Winnipeg office is at Suite 500, 155 Carlton Street, and unscheduled drop-in service is not available.
- Possible heirs should give the deceased's last name and their relationship, and the PGT does not charge for this.
- The PGT acts as administrator of last resort, so it may not be the one handling the estate if someone else is willing and capable.