Understanding who your client is (and isn’t) is critical in any matter. This is especially true when administering estates. This presentation delves into legal and ethical obligations when taking initial instructions. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program titled Administration of Estates on September 16, 2026. Total running time is 1 hour, 9 minutes.

This program is designed to give lawyers a solid grounding in practicing estate administration. It examines estate administration procedures for “standard” estates and highlight potential issues for estates with unique considerations. It identifies common challenges and traps in estate administration and provides strategies to resolve or prevent them. Explore ethical issues that can arise during estate administration, including conflicts of interest, confidentiality and privacy, and fiduciary duties owed by personal representatives and/or lawyers.  This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program titled Administration of Estates on September 16, 2026. Total running time for each presentation ranges from 55 minutes to 1 hour, 21 minutes.

From first meeting to final signature, do you have a clear approach for managing estate planning files? Designed for junior lawyers and students, this presentation offers practical guidance on streamlining the estate planning process while protecting your client at every stage. This on-demand program was originally broadcasted as a live webinar on June 29, 2026. Total running time is 1 hour, 14 minutes.

Designed for newly called lawyers, or for those looking to revisit the basics, this presentation explores a variety of issues that lawyers must be mindful of in estate administration matters. Topics include the role of a personal representative after the grant is issued; estate accounts versus trust accounts; expenses incurred by the personal representative; and advertising for creditors and claimants. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program on October 26, 2023 as part of our Practice Foundations: Estate Administration program.  Total running time is 53 minutes.

These programs examine estate administration procedures for “standard” estates and highlight potential issues for estates with unique considerations; identify common challenges and traps in estate administration; explore ethical issues that can arise during estate administration; and consider communication and client relationship management skills/techniques.  The total running time for each presentation ranges between 53 minutes to 1 hour, 32 minutes.

Review the process, typical forms submitted, and service of urgent AGTA applications. Identify common problems and process issues in accounting applications, as well as tips and best practices. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person session on May 27, 2022, as part of our AGTA for Legal Support Staff program. Total running time is 58 minutes.

Review common applications under the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA), from desk applications to in-court matters. This program is designed for legal support staff who are new to AGTA applications or for those looking to revisit the basics. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program on May 27, 2022. Total running time for each presentation ranges between 57 minutes to 1 hour, 52 minutes. Each presentation in this program is available for individual purchase.

Lawyers need to ensure that personal representatives understand what tasks they need to perform and what tasks the lawyer will handle. This paper considers a variety of issues that lawyers must be sensitive to during the administration of an estate, including how to navigate estates where assets are held by a financial institution, the distinction between estate accounts and trust accounts, dealing with real property, dealing with personal effects, expenses incurred by the personal representative, advertising for creditors and claimants, mail forwarding, and assets outside of Alberta. This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Practice Foundations: Estate Administration program in Edmonton on October 26, 2023.

These materials include a sample client intake form and list of information needed for matters involving represented adults. This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s AGTA for Legal Support Staff program in Edmonton on May 27, 2022.