Sundeep S. Grewal
Founder · Barrister & Solicitor
Has appeared in the Provincial and Supreme Courts of BC, from chambers applications to contested trials.
Full profileProbate · British Columbia
Probate lawyers in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver
Probate can feel overwhelming after a loved one dies. We guide executors and families through the BC probate process with clear communication and careful preparation, so you can focus on your family.
- Applications to the Supreme Court of British Columbia
- Estates with or without a will
- Meet in person, by phone or by video
Book a probate consultation
Tell us a little about the estate and we'll be in touch to arrange a time.
The basics
What is probate?
Probate is the court process that confirms a will is valid and gives the executor legal authority to manage the estate: collecting assets, paying debts and distributing what remains to the beneficiaries.
If there is no will, the process is different. A family member usually applies to administer the estate, and it is divided according to the rules in BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act.
- Locate the will and confirm who the executor is
- Give notice to the beneficiaries and others entitled
- Prepare the application, including a list of the estate's assets and debts
- File with the Supreme Court of BC and pay the probate fees
- Receive the grant, then gather assets, pay debts and distribute the estate
Costs
Probate fees in BC
The province charges probate fees under the Probate Fee Act, based on the value of the estate. They are separate from legal fees and are paid when the application is filed.
| Value of the estate | Fee |
|---|---|
| $25,000 or less | No fee |
| $25,001 to $50,000 | $6 for each $1,000 (or part) over $25,000 |
| Over $50,000 | $150, plus $14 for each $1,000 (or part) over $50,000 |
Example: for an estate worth $500,000, the probate fee is $6,450 ($150 for the portion between $25,000 and $50,000, plus $6,300 for the $450,000 above $50,000).
Fees are based on assets that pass through the estate. Some assets, such as property held in joint tenancy or accounts with a named beneficiary, usually pass outside it. A separate court filing fee also applies.
Probate fee calculator
Enter the estimated value of the estate to see the provincial probate fee.
Estimated probate fee
$6,450
An estimate only, based on the Probate Fee Act rates. Legal fees and the court filing fee are separate.
For executors
If you have been named executor, these are the main tasks ahead. We can handle the legal steps for you, or guide you through them.
- Find the original will and get copies of the death certificate
- Request a wills search from BC Vital Statistics, which the court requires
- Secure the home and valuables, and notify the insurer
- Notify banks, Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency
- List every asset and debt, with values as of the date of death
- Give notice to beneficiaries at least 21 days before filing for probate
- Keep records of every payment into and out of the estate
- File final tax returns and get a CRA clearance certificate before final distribution
How we help executors and families
From the first application to the final distribution, we handle the legal work and explain each step in plain language.
Applying for probate
Preparing and filing your application in the Supreme Court of BC.
Estates without a will
Applying to administer the estate when someone dies without a will.
Interpreting the will
Explaining what the will and related documents mean for the executor.
Assets and distribution
Identifying, valuing and distributing estate assets correctly.
Debts and creditor claims
Managing the estate's debts and claims from creditors.
Disagreements among beneficiaries
Resolving conflict early, before it delays the estate.
Probate questions we hear often
Not always. Whether a grant is needed usually depends on what the person owned and how it was held. Banks and the land title office, for example, often require a grant before they will release or transfer assets. We can tell you at your consultation whether the estate needs one.
Someone, usually a close family member, applies to the court to administer the estate. The estate is then divided according to the rules in the Wills, Estates and Succession Act rather than by a will.
It depends on the estate. There is a required notice period before the application can be filed, and court processing times vary. Errors in the paperwork are a common cause of delay, which careful preparation helps avoid.
There are two parts: the provincial probate fee, which is based on the value of the estate (see the fee table and calculator above), and legal fees. We explain the expected costs at your first consultation so there are no surprises.
No. You can meet us at our Abbotsford, Surrey or Vancouver office, or by phone or video from anywhere.
Probate help in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver
Meet with a probate lawyer at the office closest to you, or by phone or video from anywhere in British Columbia.
Probate lawyer in Abbotsford
Helping executors and families across the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack.
Office 1211, #104-32615 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 1X8 Abbotsford officeProbate lawyer in Surrey
Helping executors and families in Surrey, Delta, Langley and White Rock.
#208-5455 152 Street, Surrey, BC V3S 5A5 Surrey officeProbate lawyer in Vancouver
Helping executors and families in Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond.
#1300, 1500 W. Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 2Z6 Vancouver officeNot sure if you need probate?
Book a consultation and we'll tell you what the estate requires. Offices in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver.