The customary 'executor's year' is the period before beneficiaries can press for distribution. It is an expectation rather than a statutory deadline.
The Canadian position
Beneficiaries generally cannot demand payment within the first year. Beyond it, unexplained delay may support an application to pass accounts.
The Islamic position
Islamic practice favours prompt settlement, so a year-long administration should be explained to the heirs rather than left as silence.
The four Sunni schools are not recorded as differing materially on this point in the sources reviewed. Where your own case turns on it, put it to a scholar of your school.
This is legal information only. For advice on your own circumstances, speak to a lawyer.
Citations & sources
Every factual claim on this page traces to one of the references below. Legislation and dollar thresholds change — verify against the primary source before relying on any figure.
- Research Papers — Cambridge Muslim College
- Research — Cambridge Muslim College
- Academics — Islamic law and theology curriculum — Zaytuna College
- Encyclopaedia of Islam — Brill
- Administering estates — Government of Ontario
- Apply for probate of an estate — Government of Ontario
- Estate Administration Tax — Government of Ontario
- Estates Act, RSO 1990, c E.21 — Government of Ontario
- Executor duty impartiality between beneficiaries ontario — Treadstone Law
- Executor estate accounting periods ontario — Treadstone Law
- Opening an estate bank account ontario executor guide — Treadstone Law
- Accessing deceased digital assets ontario executor guide — Treadstone Law
- What is passing of accounts ontario — Treadstone Law
- How executor notifies beneficiaries ontario — Treadstone Law
- Wills & estates practice — Treadstone Law