Who Administers an Estate?

The person who administers an estate is called an estate trustee. The term “executor” is no longer used.

If there is a will the estate trustee is the person named in the will. If that person is unwilling or unable to administer the estate, there is normally an alternate trustee named in the will.

If there is no will, a person with a close connection to the deceased may apply to the court to be appointed as estate trustee. Generally, the closest relative to the deceased who wishes to be appointed will be appointed. The Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee does not automatically administer the estate if there is no will. The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee will only reluctantly get involved if there is no other suitable person willing to administer the estate.