How does an executor find all the assets of an estate in Ontario?

Locating all estate assets is one of the executor's first duties and requires some detective work. The starting points are the deceased's personal papers, tax returns, bank statements, investment account records, safe deposit boxes, and correspondence from financial institutions. An executor should also look for recurring direct deposits or account charges that suggest accounts they were not yet aware of.

In Ontario, financial institutions will disclose the existence of accounts to a person who presents satisfactory proof of being the estate trustee (usually the Certificate of Appointment). Some institutions will cooperate on this basis even before probate is complete, though larger asset transfers usually require the certificate.

For real property, a search of land registry records (accessible through ServiceOntario or online) will reveal properties registered in the deceased's name. For vehicles, the Ministry of Transportation's records can be searched. The executor should also check for digital assets — online bank accounts, PayPal, cryptocurrency wallets, or subscription services — which are increasingly part of modern estates and are easily overlooked.