How Octalin works
Back-office support for family trustees and attorneys in Alberta, from the first month to the final accounting.
Scroll to follow the journey
What happens after the order is granted
What we take care of
For family members acting as trustee under a trusteeship order, or as attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney.
Set-up
We gather statements and documents, build your record-keeping system, and prepare the financial information for your trusteeship plan and inventory.
Monthly administration
Every transaction recorded and reconciled. Income, expenses and deadlines tracked, and anything unusual flagged to you in writing.
Court accounting
The financial schedules for each accounting or review, prepared from your records.
Benefits
We screen for benefits the adult may be missing, prepare applications and track renewals: CPP Disability, OAS/GIS, AISH, the Disability Tax Credit and the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
Education
General information on your responsibilities as a trustee or attorney, and how the review process works.
Accounting-only package
For trustees who keep their own records: we prepare the schedules for one accounting, with no monthly service.
What we do and don’t do
What we do
- Set up your records and the financial information for your plan and inventory
- Reconcile every transaction and flag anything unusual in writing
- Prepare the financial schedules for each accounting or review
- Screen for benefits, prepare applications and track renewals
- Explain your responsibilities and the review process
- Prepare the schedules for one accounting if you keep your own records
What we never do
- Give legal advice or prepare or file court documents. The family member or their lawyer files.
- Hold, control or sign for the adult’s money, or use anyone’s online banking passwords.
- Give investment advice or prepare tax returns.
- Represent anyone before a court, or act as trustee, guardian or attorney.
- Take or pay referral fees.
A year with Octalin
Every trusteeship has its own rhythm. Here is what a typical year can look like.
January
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
February
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
- TaxWe track deadlines and flag what’s needed (we don’t prepare returns)
March · Busy month
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
- TaxWe track deadlines and flag what’s needed (we don’t prepare returns)
April · Busy month
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
- TaxWe track deadlines and flag what’s needed (we don’t prepare returns)
May
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
June
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
July
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
- BenefitsRenewals prepared for you to sign (as needed)
August
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
September · Busy month
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
- CourtAccounting schedules prepared (example timing; yours depends on your order)
October · Busy month
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
- CourtAccounting schedules prepared (example timing; yours depends on your order)
November
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
- AnnualBenefits re-screen and fee review (example timing)
December
- MonthlyStatements by the 10th, summary by the 20th
Sample schedule. Timing depends on each trusteeship order.
How fees work
- A fixed monthly fee, based on the complexity of the adult’s finances
- A one-time set-up fee
- An annual fee for court accounting preparation
- The accounting-only package is one fixed fee
- Extra work is hourly, and only with your written approval in advance
- Benefits work is included
- Everything is set out in a written engagement letter before work starts
FAQs
No. You stay in charge of every decision and every dollar.
No. Legal questions go to your lawyer. We don’t prepare or file court documents.
We know what the court expects at an accounting and review, we look for benefits the adult is missing, and we flag issues to you early.
A fixed monthly fee based on complexity, a set-up fee and an annual accounting fee, all in writing up front. Extra work happens only with your approval.
No. We offer a free 30-minute consultation, and we suggest you find a lawyer, for example through a neutral lawyer referral service. Our work starts once the order is granted.
We take instructions only from the court-appointed trustee or attorney, and share information only as they approve in writing.
Yes. The accounting-only package prepares the schedules for one accounting.
No. Octalin is an independent private company. We are not part of, and do not act for, the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee.
We’re based in Calgary and serve Alberta. If you’re elsewhere, tell us where and what you need, and we’ll let you know when we can help.