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1263 – 10355 152 Street
Surrey, BC V3R 7P8
Inside Guildford Town Centre Mall

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Park near CIBC & enter from the CIBC entrance for easiest access.

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Probate & Estates

Guiding Executors & Administrators Through Every Step — Surrey & BC

When a loved one passes away, the administrator is immediately faced with a large number of tasks — many never encountered before. Law Boutique is here to guide you through every step of the process with clarity and compassion.

What is a Grant of Estate Administration?

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With a Will — Estate Grant

Historically called a Grant of Probate, this appoints the named executor or executrix to take charge of the deceased's estate and carry out the terms of the will.

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Without a Will — Estate Grant

Historically called Letters of Administration, this appoints an administrator (often a family member) to take charge of the estate and distribute it according to BC's intestacy rules.

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Today's Process

Whether there is a will or not, Law Boutique applies for a Grant of Estate Administration. People still use the terms 'probate,' 'executor,' or 'administrator' — all refer to the personal representative of the deceased.

Our approach to estate fees: Law Boutique charges estate clients the same $400 per hour that we charge for any other legal work — we do not charge a flat fee or a percentage of the estate value, because we believe those arrangements tend to favour the lawyer. A simple estate (car, house, a few bank accounts and an RRSP) typically takes under 10 hours. Less than 5% of our estate clients experience legal bills in excess of $6,000.00.

Legal Fees & Government Costs

ServiceLegal FeeTaxesGovtTotal*
Grant of Probate Application (with will)*$4,000.00$480.00$200.00$4,680.00
Grant of Administration (no will)*$4,000.00$480.00$200.00$4,680.00
Estate Administration (hourly)$400.00/hr———
Contested Estates (hourly)$400.00/hr———
Notarial copies / certified documents$40.00$4.80$0.00$44.80
ILA or Consultation under 30 mins.$200.00$24.00$0.00$224.00
Estate Transfer$799.00$95.88——

How Probate Fees Are Calculated

Probate fees are calculated and paid on the gross value of the estate at the time of the deceased's death:

First $25,000 of estate valueNo charge
$25,001 – $50,000$6.00 per $1,000
Over $50,000$14.00 per $1,000

What to Bring to Your Initial Appointment

✓Original will and Death Certificate
✓Two government-issued ID documents for each executor/administrator (one with photo)
✓Copies of bank and brokerage statements
✓Listings of safety deposit box contents
✓Inventory of personal items specifically mentioned in the will
✓Copies of insurance policies, pensions, and annuities
✓Appraisals for jewelry, coins, stamps, precious metals, and collectible items
✓Ownership and insurance papers for cars, boats, or recreational vehicles
✓Date and place of deceased's birth; full legal name, addresses, postal code, and relationship to deceased for every person mentioned in the will

Estate Checklist

1.Contact the deceased's friends and relatives.
2.Contact the deceased's employer or WorkSafe BC.
3.Locate the original Will.
4.Access safety deposit box (if any) — obtain the original will and a listing of its contents.
5.Check for prepaid funeral arrangements or membership in a Memorial Society. Plan the funeral and burial.
6.Apply for a Death Certificate if the funeral home has not already done so.
7.Attend Law Boutique to obtain a Certified Copy of the Death Certificate. Redirect the deceased's mail using the Certified Copy.
8.Notify pension and insurance providers of the death with a Certified Copy of the Death Certificate.
9.Arrange for storage of vehicles and other assets as required.
10.Prepare a detailed inventory of the deceased's assets and debts.
11.Attend Law Boutique for your Initial Appointment (see what to bring below).
12.Have Law Boutique notify banks, credit unions, brokers, and insurance companies — providing Certified Copies of the will (if any) and Death Certificate.
13.Cancel subscriptions, credit cards, charge accounts, and telephone listings.
14.Attend Law Boutique for your Second Appointment to swear Affidavits and sign all forms required for court filings.
15.Await preliminary approval of court documents submitted (usually within two months) and provide bank draft for probate and legal fees.
16.Obtain copies of the Estate Grant for use at Land Title Office, ICBC, and financial institutions to transfer assets into the name of the Administrator(s).
17.Advertise for creditors if required, and pay or transfer specific gifts to beneficiaries.
18.Have the administrator's accounts approved by the Court, or obtain signed Releases from the residuary beneficiaries.
19.Transfer all real estate to the administrator, who can then sell it or transfer it to beneficiaries.
20.File Terminal Tax Return and Trust Tax Return (if applicable) and obtain CRA Clearance Certificate.
21.Pay an advance to residuary beneficiaries after the period for varying the will has expired.
22.Pay any remaining creditor, CRA, accounting, and legal accounts.
23.Distribute the remainder of the estate to residuary beneficiaries.

Start Your Estate Matter

Fill out the form below and our team will be in touch within one business day.

Need guidance on an estate matter?

Find us at Guildford Town Centre, Surrey. In-person or virtual appointments available.

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