What Records Must an Executor Keep When Administering an Estate in Alberta?

This answer covers the law of Alberta.

In Alberta, an executor, called a personal representative, has four core tasks: to identify the estate's assets and liabilities, administer and manage the estate, satisfy its debts and obligations, and distribute and account for the administration. Creating and maintaining records is listed as an example of a core task. Your records should show what you received, what you paid out and what you distributed.

That means keeping a ledger and receipts that can show safe-deposit box contents, values of property and debts as of the date of death, payment of debts and expenses, and tax filings and payments. Keep proof of ownership too, such as statements, letters from banks or dealers, and for land a current certified copy of the certificate of title. Also keep records of your communications with beneficiaries and of notices to claimants, which protect you from claims you did not know about.

You must give beneficiaries an accounting at regular intervals, and an interested person can apply for a court order requiring one at any time. A beneficiary of only a specific gift can get an accounting only for that gift, and cannot apply once that gift is received. Ask a lawyer or accountant what is enough for your estate.