What Is the First Thing an Executor Should Do After a Death in Alberta?
This answer covers the law of Alberta.
The first priorities are to find the will, arrange the funeral and order death certificates. Alberta has no will registry, so a will may be in a home cabinet or safe, a bank safety deposit box, or with a lawyer. The estate pays burial and funeral expenses, and the personal representative or executor is responsible for arranging them. The Funeral Services General Regulations set a priority list of who has authority over funeral arrangements. If the estate lacks funds for the funeral, the funeral home can apply to the Alberta government for assistance.
Death certificates must be ordered through an Alberta registry agent, and an executor named in the will can apply with a copy of the will attached. Applicants outside Alberta can mail the forms through Registry Connect or AMA instead.
A personal representative named in a will who acts without a grant must give notice to beneficiaries, family members, spouses, adult interdependent partners, the Public Trustee and others. Subject to the will and the law, a personal representative may take possession and control of estate property. Avoid distributing anything until you understand the debts and notices involved.
Key takeaways
- Alberta has no will registry, so the will may be in a home cabinet or safe, a bank safety deposit box, or with a lawyer.
- The estate pays burial and funeral expenses, and the personal representative or executor is responsible for arranging them.
- Death certificates must be ordered through an Alberta registry agent, and a named executor can apply with a copy of the will attached.
- A personal representative named in a will who acts without a grant must give notice to beneficiaries, family members and others, including the Public Trustee.