Probate and estate administration for British Columbia residents
We understand the importance of transparency and efficiency in legal services. That’s why we provide upfront pricing, enabling you to plan your budget effectively. Let Sage Hill Law guide you through the executor duties, making the probate and administration process more straightforward and less burdensome. With our experience in probate and estate administration, you can trust us to handle the intricate details, giving you the peace of mind to focus on honouring your loved one’s legacy and fulfilling your fiduciary responsibilities.
Contact us today to book a consultation and discover how we can simplify your journey as an executor and provide the support you need.
Sage Hill Law believes in up front pricing to offer ease and transparency to our clients. Estate files vary widely in the effort that is required to apply for a grant of probate or administration and to distribute the payouts and passing of accounts. Accordingly, we offer pricing tiers as shown below. The tier associated with a particular estate can be confirmed during a no-cost consultation which is required before an estate file is initiated. Terms and conditions apply.
Includes $420 in standard disbursements
Includes application for grant of probate/administration
No minors or mentally incapable
1 – 2 beneficiaries
1 – 2 bank and/or investment account(s)
Up to 2 additional non-financial assets (real property, vehicles, etc.)
No complications
Optional add-ons
Preparation of Disbursement of 1 payout to beneficiaries at file completion: $540
Preparation of Disbursement of 2 payouts to beneficiaries, one after approval of probate and a second at file completion: $970
Includes $420 in standard disbursements
Includes application for grant of probate/administration
No minors or mentally incapable
3 – 5 beneficiaries
1 – 4 bank and/or investment account(s)
Up to 3 additional non-financial assets (real property, vehicles, etc.)
No complications
Optional add-ons
Preparation of Disbursement of 1 payout to beneficiaries at file completion: $785
Preparation of Disbursement of 2 payouts to beneficiaries, one after approval of probate and a second at file completion: $1,350
Includes $720 in standard disbursements
Includes application for grant of probate/administration
Involves minors or mentally incapable
1 – 10 beneficiaries
Multiple bank and/or investment account(s)
4+ additional non-financial assets (real property, vehicles, etc.)
Potential complications
Optional add-ons
Preparation of Disbursement of 1 payout to beneficiaries at file completion: $1,135
Preparation of Disbursement of 2 payouts to beneficiaries, one after approval of probate and a second at at file completion: $1,830
Transfer of property to Executor and/or beneficiaries: $585 + disbursements + $15 per additional beneficiary after the Executor
Conveyance for Sale of Property: $1,000 + disbursements
Includes $720 in standard disbursements
Includes application for grant of probate/administration
Involves minors or mentally incapable
11 – 15 beneficiaries
Multiple bank and/or investment account(s)
4+ additional non-financial assets (real property, vehicles, etc.)
Potential complications
Optional add-ons
Preparation of Disbursement of 1 payout to beneficiaries at file completion: $1,710
Preparation of Disbursement of 2 payouts to beneficiaries, one after approval of probate and a second at file completion: $2,540
Transfer of property to Executor or beneficiaries: $585 + disbursements + $15 per additional beneficiary after the Executor
Conveyance for Sale of Property: $1,000 + disbursements
For an estate with a value over $25,000, you need to get permission from the court first to administer a person’s will as their executor. This process is called applying for grant of probate or administration.
Application of probate or administration can be submitted in as little as 2 months or up to 8+ months and then requires approval from the courts which generally takes 2-5 months depending on the regional court required for the file.
Full completion of an estate file can take up to 2 years from when the file is opened depending on the complexity of the file, particularly if property is required to be sold.
The best way to expedite an estate file is to engage an experienced estate administration team and to have an executor who is organized and proactive in assisting with information required to reach application of probate. An estimated timeline will be provided to you at the start of your estate file when particulars of your file are clearer to our lawyer.
Working in partnership with an executor to create the consent, releases and accounting for beneficiaries of an estate.
This can be a fairly complex and time consuming process.
An interim (first payout) is permissible after an application of probate or administration is approved. This can be achieved in 4 – 13 months from the start of an estate file. Generally, Tier 1 and 2 files are at the shorter end and Tier 3 and 4 files are at the longer end of this range. An interim payout generally requires the support of an accountant to determine appropriate hold-back amounts.
A final payout (following an interim payout or as a stand alone payout) is processed at the very end of an estate file. This can be up to 2 years from when the file is started.
No, add-ons for payouts or transfer of property can be added later on if desired or required for your file in the case of property transfers or sale of property.
A property owned by the deceased must be transferred into the name of the executor in order to be sold, or if a property is being directly transferred to a beneficiary.
This step would be completed after approval of probate or administration is achieved.
Probate and estate administration legal services at your fingertips
