A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, helps minimize taxes, and provides clarity for your loved ones. Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to provincial laws, which may not align with your preferences.

A Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee is a legal document that confirms the authority of an executor\executrix (estate trustee) to manage and distribute an estate. Probate is typically required when an estate includes significant assets, such as real property or financial accounts, and institutions require proof of the authority of the executor\executrix.

Probate fees, also known as Estate Administration Tax, vary by province and are generally calculated as a percentage of the estate’s value. Additional legal and administrative fees may apply, depending on the complexity of the estate. We are able to cap our fees to create a flat rate for the legal fee to try and help our clients.

Estate administration includes gathering assets, paying debts, filing taxes, and distributing the remaining estate according to the will or provincial intestacy laws. It can be complex and time-consuming, especially for large or contested estates. The cost for this this service is typically a percentage of the value of the estate for a law firm to take on this role and accept all of the potential liability and obligations.

Yes, if someone dies without a will (intestate), their estate will be distributed according to provincial intestacy laws. An administrator must be appointed to manage the estate, which can be more challenging than if a will were in place.