Using a Professional Executor in Toronto
Lost Someone? Need an Executor Now?
Being named in a Will doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the job.
And if there’s no Will—or no one willing to step up—it doesn’t mean the estate can’t move forward.
Here’s the truth: Settling an estate is a massive pain in the ass.
It’s months (sometimes years) of forms, filings, tax prep, real estate agents, accountants, bank run-around, court rules, and family dynamics.
It’s stress—at the worst possible time.
If you’ve just lost someone, they wouldn’t want this to hijack your life. They’d want you to grieve, heal, and move on. Not to get buried in bureaucracy.
You can say no. You can renounce. Or—if no one’s named, or no one is willing—you can still get help.
I’m a professional executor and estates lawyer. I do this for a living. I know the system. I know the traps. I don’t get overwhelmed or guilt-tripped. I just get it done—cleanly, legally, fast, and without drama.
If the estate is clean, uncontested, and the beneficiaries are aligned, I may be willing to take it on.
No chaos. No pressure. Just closure.
Results
Don't believe me? Take it from Jim, an Albertan whose sister passed away in Toronto without a Will and asked me to administer the estate as their professional executor:
"Dear Blake: I just wanted to take this time to thank you for your exceptional service and personal care and attention to my sister's estate resolution. You are very good at what you do! We also felt you were "treating us exactly the way you would want to be treated." You truly have been a blessing to my wife and I at what was a difficult time." - Jim
Need an Executor to Name in Your Will? Consider a Trust Company
For some clients, a trust company (typically at a Big Six Bank) is the right choice—either as the primary executor or as a backup if your first choice can’t act.
They offer continuity, professionalism, and experience. They don’t get overwhelmed. They don’t go on vacation. They don’t start fights with your beneficiaries. Some have done this for over 100 years.
But they do charge a percentage (but less than any family or friend would typically be paid). They have minimums.
And they expect the Will to be drafted properly, with their clauses included and their role confirmed before the Will is signed.
I handle that. I’ve worked with all the major trust companies. I know what they need, how they review Wills, and how to structure your plan around their expectations. They’ll usually want to approve the draft and have things arranged before you sign.
Because of the extra coordination, I charge an additional fee when you’re naming a trust company—but the result is a Will that works and an executor who’s ready.
A trust company can also store the original Will for you, if needed.
If you're not sure whether a trust company is the right fit—or which one to use—I’ll walk you through the options.
Professional Executor FAQ
Can I name you as executor in my Will?
No. I don’t accept future appointments. If you're planning your Will, I can help you choose the right executor—often a trust company or family member.
Will you take over now that someone has died?
Maybe. If the estate is clean, uncontested, and the beneficiaries are aligned, I may be willing to act. Ask me if your situation qualifies.
There’s no Will. Can you step in?
Yes—if the family agrees, and the estate is a good fit. I apply to court for formal appointment and run everything legally.
What if I don’t want to be executor?
You can renounce before you start. If there’s no backup, the beneficiaries can appoint someone else—like me, if it qualifies.
Do you charge a flat fee?
No. As executor, I charge a percentage of the estate—just like a trust company. Will planning is a separate flat-fee service.
I only take on a few files a year. If yours might be a fit, reach out before things get messy.