Executor's Year

The year from date of death generally granted to the executor to collect and disburse the testator's assets.

In Czaban v Plamondon 2005 ABQB 917 (also known as Re Estate of Czaban, published at canlii.org/en/ab/abqb/doc/2005/2005abqb917/2005abqb917.html), the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench used these words:

"The concept of the Executor’s Year is a common law rule which allows the personal representative a one year period starting at the date of the testator’s death to administer the estate and transfer the assets without any interest accruing to the beneficiaries.

"If the personal representative fails to realize any property within a year, the onus is on the personal representative to provide valid reasons for the delay."