Telling Your Executor About Your Will — What They Need to Know
The single most common executor mistake at death isn't the executor's doing — it's the testator's failure to tell the executor anything in advance. The executor learns of their role at the funeral, has no idea what's expected, and starts from zero. This article covers the conversation that prevents this.
What the executor should know
That they've been named. Should not be a surprise at death.
Where the will is stored. Lawyer's office, home safe, bank safe deposit box, provincial wills notice registry. They need to find it after death.
Rough scope of the estate. Number of major assets, complexity level. Not detailed dollar amounts necessarily — just orientation.
Key contacts. Lawyer, accountant, financial advisor, insurance broker. The executor will engage these people.
Where the Life Discovery Kit is. If you've prepared one, the executor needs to know about it and where it's stored.
Compensation. They're entitled to executor compensation (typically 3-5% of estate). They can decline; many family executors do.
Where to get help. Your lawyer, this guide, the Canadian Bar Association's executor resources.
The conversation
Doesn't need to be formal. Common formats:
Coffee or dinner. Casual meeting. Explain the role, where things are, ask if they'll serve, answer questions.
Annual estate review meeting. If you do an annual estate plan review, include the executor.
Lawyer's office. Formal review of will and roles. Sometimes appropriate for complex estates.
Family meeting. If multiple family members are involved (executor + backup + adult children as beneficiaries), a structured family meeting can cover it.
What to share vs. what to keep private
Always share:
- That they've been named
- Will location
- Lawyer/accountant/key contacts
- Major asset categories
- Life Discovery Kit location
Optionally share:
- Specific dollar amounts (some testators do, others don't)
- Specific beneficiary distributions
- Reasoning for unusual provisions
Generally don't share:
- Sensitive personal information not relevant to the role
- Financial passwords or access information (those go in the Life Discovery Kit with controlled access)
Updating the executor
If you change executors (death of original, change of relationship, etc.):
- Inform the original executor that they're no longer named
- Inform the new executor and confirm their agreement
- Update the will accordingly
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Life Discovery Kit gives the executor structured information about your estate — assets, accounts, contacts, preferences. Combined with the will, the executor has what they need to act on day one.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Canadian Bar Association — Wills, Estates and Trusts Section — Canadian Bar Association
Frequently asked questions
Should I tell my executor I named them?
Yes, always. They should know they've been named and have explicitly agreed to serve. Surprising someone with executor responsibility at the funeral creates problems and may lead them to decline.
What if they decline?
Better to know now. You can update the will to name someone else as primary, with them as backup or removed. Surprising someone with the role often leads to declining, which leaves the estate without a named executor.
When should the conversation happen?
When you create or substantially update the will. Annually as part of estate plan review. After any major life event affecting either of you.
What should I share?
That you've named them; where the will is; rough scope of your estate; key contacts (lawyer, accountant, financial advisor); the Life Discovery Kit if you've prepared one; any specific wishes that need explanation. You don't need to share every detail; share enough that they're prepared.
Should they have a copy of the will?
Not always needed. Some Canadians give the executor a copy; others tell them where the original is stored. Original is what matters for probate; copy is for reference. The Life Discovery Kit can include the will's location.
What if my executor is also a beneficiary?
Common — spouse or adult child often executor and beneficiary. Doesn't cause conflict (executor's compensation is separate from inheritance). Just makes sure they understand both roles.