Your Questions, Answered

The very first responsibility of an executor is to find the deceased's original signed Will. This document is the source of their authority. Immediately after, they should arrange the funeral according to the wishes expressed in the Will or known by the family. Securing the deceased's assets—like their home and vehicle—is also a top, immediate priority to prevent loss or damage.

Please note: These are national averages for services from funeral providers and are NOT fees from KindFlare. Funeral costs vary widely by location and choices, but here is a general breakdown:

• Professional Services & Fees: $2,000 - $4,000
• Casket or Urn: $900 - $6,000+
• Ceremony & Venue Fees: $500 - $2,500
• Cemetery Plot / Niche: $1,500 - $10,000+

The total average cost can range from **$5,000 to over $15,000**.

When a person dies, their debts do not disappear. The debt is owed by their estate. The executor's job is to use the money and assets in the estate to pay off all outstanding debts (like credit cards, mortgages, loans) and taxes *before* any money or assets can be distributed to beneficiaries named in the Will. If there isn't enough money in the estate to cover the debts, family members are generally not responsible for paying them from their own funds, unless they were a co-signer on the loan or credit card.

Probate is the formal court process that officially validates a Will and confirms the authority of the Executor. Banks and land title offices often require this court-certified document before they will release the deceased's assets. While not every estate needs probate (assets held jointly may pass directly to the survivor), it is commonly required for significant assets held solely in the deceased's name.

Yes, you can. Being named an executor in a Will does not obligate you to accept the role. You can formally renounce the position by signing a specific legal form. If you do this, the alternate executor named in the Will typically steps in. If no alternate is named, the court may appoint one. It's an important decision, as the role carries significant responsibility and liability.

While our Will Generator is an excellent first step to organize your intentions, it does not create a legally-binding Will. To create an enforceable legal document in Canada, there are strict formal requirements (like being signed in the presence of two valid witnesses who are not beneficiaries). Hiring a lawyer is highly recommended to prevent costly mistakes, especially for anyone with complex assets, business ownership, or a blended family.

The Advance Plan tool helps you create a central, secure list of where everything is—from insurance policies to online accounts—so your family has a clear path to follow. This helps prevent a stressful "scavenger hunt" for your family.