When There’s No One Left, Who Handles Your Estate?
Estate planning often assumes you have someone — a trusted friend, a sibling, a niece, even a capable neighbour — who can step into the role of executor when you pass away. But what if there’s no one left to take on this role?
This question came up recently in a conversation I had with someone who reached out for help. He told me that he has no one — no family, no friends who are capable of taking on the role. That moment stayed with me, because I realized how many others may quietly be in the same position.
Many individuals live alone, are estranged from family, or outlive their family and circle of friends. And while this isn’t always easy to talk about, it’s a very real and growing issue. So what happens when there’s no one left to act as executor?
What Is an Executor, and Why Does It Matter?
An executor (or estate trustee, in some provinces) is the person legally responsible for administering your estate after you die. They carry out your wishes, file final tax returns, distribute assets, pay off debts, and ensure your legacy is properly wrapped up.
But without a named executor, that job falls to… no one. At least, not right away.
When No One Is Named
If you have no will, or your will doesn’t name an executor (or if the person named is unwilling, unable, or unfit to act) then someone must apply to the court to be appointed. In many cases, that’s a family member.
But here’s something people don’t always consider: even if you do have someone in mind, they may not want the job.
Why? Because acting as an executor comes with significant responsibility and risk. Executors have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. That means they can be held personally liable if something goes wrong.
Add to that the emotional toll, the time commitment, and the fact that it’s often a thankless job, and it’s not hard to see why many people decline when asked, even when its someone they care about.
The Sister Who Said No
“I thought my sister would act as my executor,” one woman told me. “But when I brought it up, she said she couldn’t handle the stress — she’d seen a friend get taken to court over a simple mistake as executor, and it scared her off.”
Even loving family members can feel overwhelmed by the role. It’s not just a formality — it’s a legal and financial responsibility that many people are understandably hesitant to accept.
So if you don’t have family or friends, or the people you do have are unwilling to take on the role, what happens next?
When the Province Steps In
In these situations, the province will step in. This is typically through a Public Trustee or Public Guardian’s office, which becomes the administrator of last resort.
But keep in mind that the Public Trustee is a safety net, not a personalized service. Their role is to ensure your estate is settled legally, but their ability to honour personal wishes is limited. They don’t know your values, your history, or the importance of things like who gets your grandfather’s medals or what should happen to your beloved pet.
More importantly, the process may be slower, more bureaucratic, and less tailored than if you’d named someone privately.
What Can You Do If You Have No One?
If you’re reading this and realizing you don’t have anyone in your life who could serve as your executor, you’re not alone. And, you’re not without options.
Here are a few alternatives:
1. Hire a Professional Executor
There are individuals (like myself) and companies that provide professional executor services. You pay a fee, and in return, they take on the legal and administrative duties of your estate. This ensures someone competent and experienced will carry out your wishes when the time comes.
The Man Who Outlived Everyone
“I’ve outlived them all,” he told me. “My wife passed a few years ago. My siblings are gone. The friends I trusted? They’re no longer here. There’s no one left I’d feel comfortable leaving this to.”
For some, it’s not about estrangement or complicated family dynamics — it’s about longevity. Living a long life is a gift, but it can also mean watching your trusted circle slowly disappear. In these cases, a professional executor may be the only reliable and secure choice.
2. Appoint a Trust Company
Many financial institutions offer executor services through their trust departments. This is generally more expensive and less personal, but it’s a reliable solution for larger estates or where neutrality is key. This is not always an option, as they typically have a minimum value of the estate. This minimum is usually $1M.
3. Pre-Arrange with a Lawyer or Advisor
Some legal or financial professionals may be willing to take on this role or recommend someone qualified. It’s important to formalize this in your will and discuss it thoroughly in advance.
4. Consider a Hybrid Option
In some cases, individuals name a professional executor to manage the bulk of the responsibilities, with a trusted acquaintance acting as a co-executor to help with personal wishes or property access.
Why Planning Matters — Even When You’re Alone
Just because you don’t have a large network doesn’t mean your legacy should be handled by strangers or left to the courts. Your story, your values, and your wishes matter. Whether your estate is modest or complex, having a plan and someone responsible to carry it out gives you peace of mind and protects what you’ve built.
That’s why I created the Comprehensive Legacy Package . It’s a guided, step-by-step service that helps you document your wishes, organize your important information, and make key decisions while you’re still in control. It’s especially valuable for those who are on their own or want to ease the burden on others in the future.
A Growing Issue in Our Aging Society
We are living longer and longer. With this increased longevity come a rising numbers of people outliving family and friends. And this issue is only going to become more pressing. If this sounds like your situation, I encourage you to take action. Whether that means reaching out to a professional like myself, exploring trust company services, or even just starting a conversation, the most important step is the first one.
Don’t Leave It to the Government
Dying without a will is one thing. Dying without anyone to carry out your wishes is another. Don’t leave it to chance, or to the government. If you don’t have someone to name as your executor, let’s talk. There are options, and there is help. Visit nexsteps.ca to learn more. You can also explore my executor support services, or click here to book a personal consultation.
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Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and is not legal, financial, medical, or tax advice.
