It’s a court fee based on the value of the estate—about 1.5%. Not everything gets taxed (like joint assets or named beneficiaries), but it still adds up. And yes, the government audits these filings now. It’s officially called the “Estate Administration Tax.”

What if the named executor has died?

If there’s a backup named, they can apply. If not, someone else can step in—but they need consent from all the beneficiaries. It’s fixable, but you’ll want legal help to get it right.

Ontario Probate Lawyer for Executors

Q: Do I have to do probate?

There’s no law that says you must—but most banks, land registries, and financial institutions won’t transfer anything without it. Probate is how they protect themselves from getting sued. Some assets can skip probate with the right planning. But once someone’s passed, you can’t guess. If you’re not sure, book a review—I’ll tell you for sure.

Q: Does an executor get paid?

Yes—unless the Will says you don’t. If it’s silent, Ontario’s rule of thumb is around 5% of the estate for doing the job. It’s taxable income. It’s also a lot of work and personal risk. You’re allowed to be paid. And you should be.

Q: What if I don’t want to be executor?

You can walk away—but only if you haven’t started. The moment you touch anything, you’re in. If you want out, renounce properly before doing anything. A professional can step in if all beneficiaries agree. Don’t wing it. Do it clean.

I only take on probate files with a valid Will, no family drama, and an executor ready to get it done.

If that’s you, I’ll make it fast, clear, and conflict-free.

When You Need a Probate Lawyer in Ontario—and When You Don’t

If you’re the executor of an Ontario estate and ready to move forward, I can help you handle probate properly and avoid costly mistakes—even if you’re not sure where to start.

Most of the estates I help involve a valid Will, a named executor, and no disputes. But I also handle some intestacies—so long as there’s a clear next of kin and no family conflict.

I specialize in helping people plan to avoid estate messes. That’s why I don’t step in after the damage is done. If the estate is organized and the family is aligned, I’ll help you wrap it up with clarity and confidence.

Blake

Book an intro call with a probate lawyer

How I Help Executors Navigate Probate in Ontario

As an experienced probate lawyer, I handle the probate application from start to finish. That includes preparing the right court forms, giving you clear instructions, and flagging issues before they cause delays.

You’ll get clarity on what’s in the estate, what’s not, and how to properly value assets for probate. That includes dealing with joint accounts, named beneficiaries, and calculating probate tax the right way—so you don’t overpay or trigger audit flags.

You’re the executor. Your job is to get this done properly. My job as your probate lawyer is to make sure you don’t waste time, miss a step, or create problems for yourself down the line.

You’ll know what’s required, what happens next, and what to avoid.

No filler. No guesswork. Just a structured process with a probate lawyer who gets it done and gets it right.

Book an intro call

Start with an Estate Review. Then I’ll Tell You Exactly What You Need

Every estate is different. Some need basic filing. Others need full support. I don’t make you guess.

We start with a flat-fee Estate Review. I look at the Will—or the lack of one—review the assets, and confirm what’s required.

Then I tell you exactly what needs to be done and your next best steps. If you move ahead with a full probate package, that review fee gets credited.

No overkill. No under-planning. Just a clear call on what it will take to get the estate settled properly.

Probate Lawyer Services You Can Add As You Go

Some executors just need the probate filing. Others want support through the whole estate. You don’t have to decide everything up front. I offer flat-fee services you can choose as you go, depending on how much help you want—and when you want it.

If you’re not sure where to start, book an Estate Review. If you already know what you need, start with the service that fits.

Just want clarity first?
Book the Estate Review ($595, credited if you move ahead with any full service).

With a Will

Virtual estate Review

595

+HST

Not sure what you need? This one-time consult gives you clarity on what’s required to move forward—whether that means probate, nothing at all, or just smart next steps.

What You Get (Expand)

45–60 minute video consultation with an experienced estate lawyer
Review and explanation of the Will (or intestacy situation)
Advice on whether probate is needed and why
Review of estate assets, valuations, and probate tax exposure
Guidance on joint assets and beneficiary designations
Outline of executor duties, timeline, and legal risks
Custom next-step plan based on your situation
Fee credited if you move ahead with a full service

Best For:

Executors who want legal clarity before committing to anything—or who just need one-time advice to get started properly and protect themselves from hidden risks.

Book Your Estate Review

PROBATE

FROM* $

2495

+HST

This service includes everything needed to apply for probate properly: reviewing the Will, valuing the estate, preparing and filing the forms, and advising on executor liability and probate tax.

What's Included (Expand)

Unlimited advice from an experienced estate lawyer
Video consultation to review will, estate assets, executor duties and plan next steps
Review and interpretation of will and valuation of estate assets
Guidance on executor duties and potential risks and liabilities
Advice on probate tax and how to properly value assets
Review of joint assets and named beneficiary accounts (what’s in, what’s out)
Preparation and filing of court forms (Certificate of Appointment)
Drafting of renunciations and consents (if needed)
Letters to banks, beneficiaries, and other third parties
Unlimited notarial copies of key docs

Best For:

Executors who want the application done right, with advice along the way and no hidden gaps later.

Start Probate Now

ESTATE wrap-up

FROM* $

2695

+HST

Probate isn’t the finish line. As executor, you’re still legally responsible for the final steps. This service helps you complete the administration properly—distribute assets, protect yourself, and close the estate with confidence.

Finish Strong - Full Details

Strategy call to walk through what’s left and flag any risks
Review of remaining assets and liabilities
Advice on when to advertise for creditors—and how to do it right
Preparation and filing of the Ontario Estate Information Return (probate tax return)
Advice on executor compensation, tax filing timing, and holdback strategy
Review and legal feedback on your draft executor accounts
Guidance on applying for a CRA Clearance Certificate
Help with beneficiary communications and expectations
Drafting of beneficiary releases and indemnities to protect you from liability
Guidance on final steps, common mistakes, and how to close the estate properly
Email support through the wrap-up period

Best For:

Executors who’ve handled the probate with me and want to finish the estate properly—with no guesswork, no gaps, and no future liability.

Finish the Estate Right

*Pricing varies based on complexity and size of the estate.

FAQ From a Probate Lawyer

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?

Ready to Get Probate Off Your Plate?

Whether you need probate, just want a review, or aren’t sure what’s next—start by getting in touch. I’ll tell you what you need, what it costs, and how to handle it right.

I only take on files I can help with—so if you’re a committed executor and want this done properly, we’ll be a good fit.

Email an Experienced Probate Lawyer