An executor is responsible for settling your affairs. This usually involves selling some assets, preparing the final tax return, paying any outstanding debts, applying for the Canada Pension Plan death benefit, and distributing the estate. How much time this takes depends on how complicated your affairs are. The executor must let the beneficiaries know what he or she plans to take and get their approval before taking the fee. An executor needs to be a reliable adult.
Most people ask a family member or close friend to be their executor.
You can also appoint a lawyer, a private trust company or the Public Guardian and Trustee as executor. It's important to pick someone who is likely to outlive you. You can also pick a back-up executor, just in case your first choice dies or becomes ill or moves away and doesn't want to do the job. Being an executor can be quite a lot of work, so choose someone who has some knowledge of financial matters, and who is comfortable dealing with officials. You need to ask the person if he or she is willing to take on the job.