Do you know what probate is? Are you aware of the responsibilities of an executor of an estate? When someone dies, the person in charge of handling the deceased person’s estate - both property and other assets - is called the executor.

You can put a person in charge of settling your estate after you pass away. Are you aware of who that person will be or what duties they must carry out on your behalf?

If you want to know more about what happens to assets after a person dies, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about the duties of an executor of an estate.

There are specific things that need to happen to an estate after someone dies. This interview is a chance to learn the responsibilities of the person assigned to execute those tasks.

What Is an Executor’s First Duty?

The episode begins with Valerie explaining the first thing an executor of an estate must do after the person who has given them that duty has passed away. She also discusses how an executor may affect arrangements for the memorial or funeral services.

Next Valerie talks about which duties go into effect before the will is read as well as which tasks need to wait to be performed until after the reading of the will.

Another thing to consider is how insurance protects the property and its contents after the owner passes away. This is another area where Valerie provides insight during the podcast.

Additional Duties of the Executor of an Estate

Then Valerie discusses additional duties the executor is responsible for regarding an estate. She also answers these questions during the podcast:

- How can I protect my funeral arrangements from being changed by the executor?
- What kind of timeline can one expect for carrying out executor of an estate duties?
- What is probate and do all wills have to be probated after someone dies?

Now ask yourself two questions: Do I need to appoint someone to handle my estate after I die? Do I need help understanding what happens to an estate after someone passes away? If you answered “yes” to either or both, then the information Valerie shares in this podcast may help.

Where Can an Executor Ask Questions After the Funeral?

Next Valerie discusses where someone can go to discuss the duties of an executor of an estate after the memorial or funeral and aftercare services have taken place.

Valerie explains the checklist Martin Brothers uses which lists various executor of estate duties, including advice for how to handle the necessary government documents related to an estate.

If there’s a chance you may be named the executor of an estate, you do not have to wait until the person passes away to call Martin Brothers in Vancouver for help.

The episode wraps up with Valerie sharing her final thoughts about the duties of an executor of an estate.

Do You Have Questions about Being an Executor?

Are there questions you have about how to handle someone’s estate after their death? Do you want to have someone on your side in case problems arise? Share your questions, concerns, and personal experiences, in the area below so we can discuss them together.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1