Are you an executor and don't know where to start?

Estate Lawyer for Executors

Are you an executor and don't know where to start?

I can help.

Estates Made Easier


Being an executor can be overwhelming. So many things to do, forms to sign, and everyone waiting on you.

The biggest risk is not knowing what you don't know and making a big mistake in the estate administration.

With the right estate lawyer, the job can be stress-free. No worries that you are missing some key form or deadline. Just knowledgeable and fast help when you need it. 

Let me help guide you as your estate lawyer. I will hold your hand throughout the process, providing detailed guidance on what needs to happen when. And of course I will handle all the probate forms and legal paperwork. 

Or you can appoint me as your professional executor, sit back and let me handle the headache.

Blake

A few ways I can help


Probate


Most of the time a person's estate will need probate. This is court-issued proof that the executor has authority to transfer assets. It takes a lot of waiting (4-6 months in Toronto) and detailed probate forms that need to be filled out to perfection. Hire me as your estate lawyer I will make sure it gets done right.

Advice


If you've never been an executor before, the sheer number of tasks (over 100) can be overwhelming. I will advise on what needs to be done and in what order. I will explain the will/law and your roles and responsibilities so you can do the job efficiently and with maximum protection for yourself.

*Sorry, but I don't handle contentious estates.*

Pro Executor


I frequently act as an executor, either appointed in the will or nominated by the beneficiaries. An independent professional executor keeps families intact, maximizes asset values and minimizes costs and delays. I get paid the same as a regular executor would so it's not more expensive.  READ MORE...

Distributions


Before you transfer any estate assets (cash or "stuff") to anyone you need to make sure you get a receipt or release absolving you of liability for your management of the estate. The last thing you want is someone to come knocking 2 years later demanding more money! This is where working with a good estates lawyer is key.

Estate Lawyer Pricing


All packages can be purchased separately. The "Probate" package includes "Estate Start". 

Pricing varies based on complexity and size of the estate.

Virtual estate Review

Not sure if you need probate? 

Don't know where to get started?


$

595

+HST

  • 45min-1hr video meeting
  • Review and explanation of the Will 
  • Review and advice on estate assets and valuations
  • Review of probate and bank rules
  • Explantation and advice on executor duties, timeline and liability
  • Run-through of detailed executor checklist
  • Plan out of next steps (e.g. probate)
  • Additional fees for in-person meeting
ESTATE wrap-up

For distributing funds after probate (not required if executor is sole beneficiary)

FROM $

2900

+HST

  • Unlimited advice from an experienced estates lawyer
  • Preparation of Estate Information Return ($600 value)
  • Advice on distributing assets in stages
  • Advice on distributing personal effects
  • Advice on and review of draft estate accounts (actual preparation of accounts subject to additional fee)
  • Advice on executor's compensation
  • Advertising for creditors and negotiating settlement of any claims
  • Comprehensive summary letter to beneficiaries detailing estate management
  • Preparing and obtaining INTERIM releases from beneficiaries approving accounts and management of the estate
  • Preparing and obtaining FINAL releases once CRA Clearance Certificate received
Virtual Estate Review

Not sure if you need probate? 

Don't know where to get started?


$

495

+HST

  • 45min video meeting
  • Review of laws of intestacy
  • Review of probate and bank rules
  • Review and advice on estate assets and valuations
  • Explantation and advice on executor duties, timeline and liability
  • Run-through of detailed executor checklist
  • Plan out of next steps (e.g. probate)
  • Additional fees for in-person meeting
ESTATE wrap-up

For distributing funds after probate (not required if executor is sole beneficiary)

FROM $

2400

+HST

  • Unlimited advice from experienced Ontario estates lawyer
  • Preparation of Estate Information Return (a $500 value)
  • Advice on distributing assets in stages
  • Advice on distributing personal effects
  • Advice on and review of draft estate accounts (actual preparation of accounts subject to additional fee)
  • Advice on executor's compensation
  • Negotiating settlement of any creditor claims
  • Comprehensive summary letter to beneficiaries detailing estate management
  • Preparing and obtaining INTERIM releases from beneficiaries approving accounts and management of the estate
  • Preparing and obtaining FINAL releases once CRA Clearance Certificate received

Estate help made easy


Video meetings to save time

Being an executor is already taxing on your time. Working with me by video will give you some of that time back.

Clear pricing

Pricing is all-in — there are no nickel-and-dime charges, no ticking clocks and no deposits. Legal fees are typically paid by the estate.

Responsive service

I live by the Golden Rule - treat others how you want to be treated. I return every email and phone call, usually right away, but absolutely no later than 1 business day! And you will always get me, not a clerk.

Expert advice

I am only a wills and estates lawyer. I don't dabble. I have a PhD and Masters in Law in addition to my law degree. 

Probate forms

Once I have all the information, I can prepare your probate forms in a matter of days. Probate already takes 4-6 months, no need to delay more waiting on your estate lawyer!

Client Reviews


"We had a wonderful experience"

We had a wonderful experience working with Blake. The whole process was very professional, easy to understand, and very clear. Blake was punctual (which was important to our schedule with a new baby) and very accommodating not only to our schedule but also when we had various questions. I would highly recommend him!

Nicole

"Professional, pleasant, punctual, easy to confide in"

Professional, pleasant, punctual, easy to confide in, Blake stickhandled a sometimes difficult process with care and understanding, offering some solid legal advice along the way. His fee is competitive and it sure helps that he comes to you, at your convenience. Highly recommended.

Antonia

"The entire process was smooth and easy."

Blake was clear, succinct, and friendly. We appreciated his eagerness to accommodate our schedules and location. When we had questions, Blake responded promptly, and the entire process was smooth and easy.

Erik

"Professional, punctual and pleasant."

Blake was professional, punctual and pleasant. He answered all of my questions and made sure I was comfortable with what I was signing. The fact that he does house calls is convenient especially since we have a young child. Thank you, Blake!

Ameera

"I'm not sure it gets any easier"

I'm not certain it gets any easier when it comes to Wills and Estates. Blake goes out of his way to make the entire process convenient, transparent and affordable. I highly recommend Blake for your Life Planning needs.

Alok

"Made things easy to understand"

Blake was a pleasure to work with. He was professional, efficient and made things easy to understand. Our family would highly recommend Blake!

Kelly

See all my 5-star reviews HERE or on GOOGLE or FACEBOOK

Probate & Estates FAQ


What is probate?

Do I have to do probate?

What is probate tax?

Does an executor get paid?

What if the person named as executor has died?

What if I don't want to be executor?

I'm named as executor, but live out-of-town. Is that a problem?

Get started today


Based in Toronto in the Beaches.

Virtual meetings from anywhere in the world.