Start by identifying the actual administration problem
Common concerns include unexplained delay, incomplete information, questionable transactions, conflict of interest, failure to distribute, disputes over executor compensation or poor record keeping. Each issue may call for a different remedy.
B.C.’s Supreme Court Civil Rules expressly allow a personal representative or a person interested in an estate to apply for an order passing the personal representative’s accounts and to fix and approve remuneration. See Rule 25-13.
What a proper accounting should help explain
Estate accounts should allow interested people to understand assets received, income, expenses, distributions and the balance remaining. Supporting records can include bank statements, invoices, tax filings, property-sale documents and professional fees.
An executor may need time to collect assets, resolve debts, file tax returns and deal with litigation. Delay should be assessed against what actually remains unfinished.
Passing of accounts is a formal process
Where beneficiaries do not approve accounts voluntarily, a formal passing of accounts can place the accounting and remuneration before the court or registrar. The court can give directions and resolve objections.
This process can be more proportionate than immediately seeking removal, particularly where the concern is transparency or compensation rather than dishonesty or incapacity.
Removal is a serious remedy
Courts generally focus on protecting the estate and proper administration rather than punishing an executor. Persistent conflict, inability to act, serious misconduct or circumstances that endanger administration can be relevant, but ordinary friction among family members may not be enough.
Before seeking removal, identify who could realistically act in the executor’s place and what practical benefit the change would produce.
Related estate guides
For broader conflicts see executor disputes. Beneficiaries seeking information should also read beneficiary rights. If the disagreement concerns the will’s distribution, see wills variation claims.
Questions people often ask
Can a beneficiary demand every document immediately?
Not necessarily. Entitlements depend on the document, stage of administration and legal context, but beneficiaries can expect meaningful estate accounting.
Can executor fees be challenged?
Yes. Remuneration can be reviewed and approved through the court process where it is not agreed.
Does family conflict automatically remove an executor?
No. The court’s focus is whether administration and the estate’s interests require intervention.