Estate Administration
Secure Your Legacy with Us
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already difficult without the burden of addressing his or her estate. At Forum Estates LLP, we lift that load off your back with clear, caring, and top-quality estate management services in Edmonton, Alberta. We blend heart and expertise to make sure your loved one’s wishes are followed.
What is Estate Administration?
Estate administration is the process of sorting out a person’s assets, debts, and final wishes after they pass away. This includes paying bills, filing taxes, and sharing property according to their will or Alberta’s rules if there’s no will.
Alberta’s Wills and Succession Act guides this process. Smart estate administration with clear legal steps eases family stress. Our Edmonton team at Forum Estates LLP makes it simple, respectful, and worry-free.
What Does Estate Administration
in Edmonton Include?
Whether there’s a will or not, Forum Estates helps executors, administrators, and families through these essential steps:
Step 1
Beneficiary and Institutional Notification
Advise all banks, utilities, Service Canada (CPP/ OAS), CRA as well as any named beneficiaries and heirs of the will or intestacy of Alberta.
Step 2
Debt and Liability Settlement
Cover an existing debt such as credit cards, loans, funeral and utility bills.
Step 3
Dealing with the Taxation World
Submit final T1 returns, any T3 trust returns and that capital gains are reported accordingly. A Clearance Certificate issued by the CRA should be obtained in order to eschew personal liability as an executor.
Step 4
Dispute or Claims Resolution
Tackle challenges to the will, suspicious deals, or disputes between heirs. Where we are concerned, we prosecute or institute litigation to save the estate where required.
Step 5
Asset Distribution to the Heirs
Divide real and personal property by means of the will or the Wills and Succession Act of Alberta, getting all specific documentation, receipts of the property and consents.
Step 6
Final Accounting
Have and distribute a proper record of all transactions, taxes paid and distributions made. To facilitate this process, we provide reports that are ready to be transferred into a digital form.
Step 7
Executor Compensation Management
Help determine a reasonable executor fee in line with Alberta Surrogate Rules (typically 3–5% of estate value), and document it transparently for beneficiaries.
Step 8
Closing the Estate
Ensure all obligations are fulfilled, legal documents filed, accounts closed, and the estate formally wound up.
“Our goal is to make the process not just manageable, but clear, human, and rooted in Edmonton’s legal reality.”
Why Forum Estates LLP Stands Out
At Forum Estates, we offer high quality estate administration services to Edmonton families through a personalized approach and convenient modern tools.
What we offer:
- Probate Made Easy: We secure a Grant of Probate under Alberta’s Estate Administration so executors can act legally.
- Asset Sharing: We distribute assets as per the will or Alberta’s rules for no-will cases.
- Conflict Support: : Our estate litigation experts resolve disputes fairly and fast.
Why Professionals and Families Trust Us
Edmonton’s professionals refer clients to Forum Estates LLP for our expertise and care. Here’s why:
- For Professionals: We create estate plans that work with tax and financial strategies, ensuring smooth execution.
- For Families: We offer clear explanations, family meetings, and step-by-step guidance to avoid confusion.
- For Everyone: We’ve handled many estate cases across Alberta, building trust through results.
We do not push our generic online templates; rather, we create a long-term relationship. Our team stays up to date on new regulations, such as the remote execution rules in Alberta, to future-proof your estate
FAQS
1. What is the administration of estates? Who is in charge of it?
Estate administration is the giving out and management of the assets of a deceased individual. This includes paying debt, paying taxes, and transferring property. An executor usually administers the will if one exists, or an administrator if one does not.
2. What are preliminary steps of settling an estate?
The first is to attempt to locate the will, obtain a death certificate and apply for probate where appropriate. Then, record beneficiaries and creditors, create an estate bank account and list the assets and liabilities of debt. The organization of the early stages will prevent delays and legal issues.
3. Is probate the only way to administer an estate in Alberta?
No, probate is only required in instances where a third party or financial institution requires that the will be affirmatively proved. Fully owned joint tenancies, estates, or other minor estates may not need probate. Nonetheless, there is certainty in probate; it is creditor-friendly.
4. Which taxes have to be reported in the process of estate administration?
The last personal tax has to be calculated by the executors, referred to as a terminal return. Before distributing the assets, they may also be required to file estate income tax forms and get a Clearance Certificate issued by the CRA. Otherwise, a personal liability is at stake.
5. What is the average period of estate administration?
6. Are executors personally liable to mistakes?
Yes, they can be. An executor can be subject to liability in the following cases: 1. The executor managed to allocate the assets without paying taxes or obligations, or without adhering to the will provisions, 2. The executor has allowed the assets to be spent with no intention to follow the will provisions. That is why it is usually advised to seek legal advice, particularly in the case of larger or complex estates.
7. What does it mean to administer an estate when there is debt?
Before dividing the estate, the executor should inform the creditors, confirm claims and pay all the legitimate debts out of the estate. Personal debts are not passed to heirs, but unpaid obligations can decrease inheritances by an amount large enough to outweigh the available funds in the estate.
8. Can an executor also be a beneficiary of the estate?
Absolutely. Many executors are also beneficiaries, such as spouses or children. This is both common and legal. However, they must act in the best interest of all beneficiaries and follow the estate plan fairly and impartially.
9. What happens if someone dies without a will in Alberta?
The estate is distributed in accordance with the Wills and Succession Act. A spouse or adult interdependent partner typically receives the bulk of the estate. If no such person exists, children, parents, or siblings may inherit in a set order defined by law.
10. What is your practice on dealing with digital property in an estate?
Digital possessions, such as online accounts, cryptocurrency, photos, and documents, make up digital assets. Executors are encouraged to list digital property, retain the login information, and adhere to the terms of service dictated by the platforms. Legal access may also involve obtaining a court order in cases not explicitly covered in the will.
11. Do I need a lawyer to administer estates?
It is strongly advised, particularly in cases of larger estates, contested wills, or when there are complicated tax returns. A lawyer simplifies the process of settling someone’s affairs, ensuring that all rules and laws are followed and that the executors have no unfulfilled responsibilities.
12. What is a Clearance Certificate and the importance of it?
The Canada Revenue Agency issues a Clearance Certificate confirming that the due taxes are paid on behalf of the deceased and by the estate. This should be acquired by executors before distributing assets to avoid individual liability for unpaid taxes.
Book Your Consultation Today
Estate administration is about honouring your loved one’s legacy. At Forum Estates LLP, we make it clear, caring, and cost-effective.
