35+ practical steps across wills, powers of attorney, estate planning, and what to do when someone dies — checked off at your own pace.
A 30-minute conversation with Andrew Liggett can cover all five areas — and give you a clear plan to complete what's outstanding.
Separation Checklist and Court Day Preparation are also available.
Must be signed and witnessed by 2 people who are not beneficiaries.
My will was reviewed or made within the last 5 years
Marriage, separation, or new children can affect how your estate is distributed.
In case your first choice can't or won't act when the time comes.
My will names a guardian for minor children (if applicable)
Without this, a court will decide who raises your children.
I've discussed my wishes with my executor in person
I have a signed Enduring Power of Attorney for financial decisions
Remains effective even if you lose mental capacity.
The original document is required to act on your behalf.
I have a signed Representation Agreement for healthcare decisions
Authorizes someone to make medical decisions if you cannot.
I've discussed my healthcare wishes with my representative in person
Both documents have been reviewed by an independent BC lawyer
A lawyer ensures the documents meet BC's legal requirements.
My spouse/partner also has their own EPA and Representation Agreement
Each person needs their own — these documents cannot be shared.
All my RRSPs / RRIFs have a named beneficiary designation on file
Named beneficiaries pass outside the estate, avoiding probate fees.
My TFSA has a named successor holder or beneficiary
A successor holder (spouse) inherits the TFSA tax-free.
My life insurance policies have named beneficiaries (not just "estate")
Naming 'estate' as beneficiary triggers probate and delays.
Check with your pension plan administrator — designations can lapse.
I have an up-to-date list of all my financial accounts, logins, and passwords stored safely
Your executor will need this to manage your estate.
I've reviewed whether any assets are held jointly (and whether that's intentional)
Joint ownership has significant legal and tax implications.
My spouse and I have discussed what happens to the family home
I've told a trusted person where my important documents are kept
Will, insurance policies, investment statements, property titles.
I've considered whether a trust would benefit my family
Useful for minor children, disabled beneficiaries, or tax planning.
My estate plan has been reviewed by a BC estate lawyer in the last 5 years
Laws change. Your life changes. Your plan should too.
I have obtained the original will and located all estate documents
Start with the original will — copies are not accepted by most institutions.
I have obtained the death certificate (multiple certified copies)
You'll need several — banks, insurers, and the court each require one.
I have notified all beneficiaries named in the will
BC law requires beneficiaries to be notified within a reasonable time.
I have secured all estate assets (bank accounts, property, vehicles)
Prevent loss or misappropriation while the estate is being administered.
I have filed a probate application with the BC Supreme Court (if required)
Probate is typically required if the deceased owned real property in their name alone.
I have filed the deceased's final income tax return with CRA
Failure to file can result in personal liability for the executor.
I have obtained a CRA clearance certificate before distributing the estate
Without this, you may be personally liable for any unpaid taxes.
I have prepared a final accounting and distributed assets to beneficiaries
Keep records of every transaction — beneficiaries can request a full accounting.
I have updated my will immediately following separation
In BC, separation does NOT automatically revoke gifts to a former spouse — you must update your will.
I have updated or revoked my Enduring Power of Attorney if my former spouse was my attorney
Your ex-spouse may still have legal authority over your finances without this update.
I have updated beneficiary designations on RRSPs, life insurance, and pensions
These pass outside your will — update them separately.