Being an estate trustee has many serious responsibilities. Some are almost inconsequential and others are quite monumental.
Don’t forget to request Canada Post to redirect the deceased’s mail. While this does not seem urgent it might be one of the most important items to be attended to.
Go to the local post office branch taking a death certificate from the funeral home and a copy of the deceased’s will appointing you as the estate trustee. There is a fee of approximately $93.00. Even if you are not yet appointed the estate trustee generally Canada Post will accept these two documents as being sufficient to redirect the mail to you.
This is important since there may be important information which requires your prompt attention. It is now your duty, as the named estate trustee to respond. You might find ongoing bills for lease and mortgage payments, utilities, credit cards and other accounts which require payment or at least notification of death.
Information from investment holders such as banks and stock brokers are also important. You will need this financial information to complete the application for probate (application for Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a wWll) and it will otherwise be difficult to do so accurately. Delay might result.
Although this task seems to be one which is not urgent it is necessary and should not be put off.
