When to refer a deceased person's estate to the PGT

A referral can be made to the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) in the following situations:

• If the PGT is named as the executor in the deceased person’s will
• If there is no suitable person willing or able to handle the administration of an estate, we may consider requests to administer an estate. Where possible, those entitled to administer an estate should be contacted first

We make an assessment to determine if our services are needed. We do not administer all estates that are referred to us.

We do not administer estates if the value of the estate’s assets are not sufficient to pay funeral costs and PGT fees.

If there is no executor or next of kin willing to make funeral arrangements and the PGT is not administering the estate, we make a referral to the Funeral Services Program. This program may provide financial assistance with funeral costs and authorize funeral arrangements when necessary.

It is also important to note that:

• The court cannot appoint the PGT as administrator without our prior written consent
• We usually require the consent of all or the majority of the beneficiaries or heirs, where they are known. A beneficiary is a person named in a will to receive all or part of an estate or people who have an interest in a trust that was created by a will

Please note that the PGT does not have any role in resolving disputes between family members about who should administer an estate.

Who can refer an estate to the PGT?

Any person that becomes aware that there is an estate that needs to be administered can make a referral.

The most common sources of referrals are coroners, hospital or community social workers, family members, executors and beneficiaries.

How to make a referral to the PGT

You can make a referral online. If you are not able to submit online or run into any difficulties making the online referral, please contact us at 604-660-4444 or estates@trustee.bc.ca.