What is a Grant of Probate? & Do I need one?
How Varsity Law can help you with a Grant of Probate application for an Alberta Estate
When someone passes away with a Will, the named Executor may need to apply to the Alberta Courts for a Grant of Probate. A Grant of Probate is a Court document that confirms the Will is valid and gives the Executor legal authority to deal with the estate.
In practical terms, probate allows the Executor to collect funds from the banks, investment institutions, insurance companies, and transfer or sell property through Alberta Land Titles.
Without a Grant of Probate, many institutions may refuse to release or transfer estate assets. At Varsity Law, we can review the estate’s assets and advise whether probate is required, at no cost.
Filing for a Grant of Probate can be detailed and time consuming. It involves preparing court documents, listing the estate’s assets and debts, identifying beneficiaries, reviewing the Will for potential issues and correcting those issues, serving required parties, and responding to any Court questions. If the application is incomplete or inconsistent, the Court may reject the application, or request further information. This can delay the estate.
At Varsity Law, our estate lawyers and estate CPAs assist Executors with the Alberta probate application process from start to finish. We review and correct the Will (if needed), complete the application forms, deal with the Alberta Courts questions, and provide guidance through each step. With experienced CPAs we can also advise on estate taxes and the CRA.
For straightforward Alberta estates, we offer a $2,300 flat-fee. That means no percentage based estate fees.
If you are an Executor and need help applying for a Grant of Probate in Alberta, our team can make the process fast, clear, organized, and stress-free.
Book a free consultation with our Alberta probate lawyer today. We assist clients throughout Alberta and across Canada as well as the United States and abroad.
How We Handle A Grant Application
-
We have a short meeting or call to review the estate, what assets are involved, and whether you need a Grant of Probate or Grant of Administration. We give you a clear quote before you decide to proceed.
-
The original Will (if any)
The death certificate
A list of assets and debts
Contact details for beneficiaries & executors.
-
We draft all required Alberta Court forms, review them with you in plain language, then file the application and handle required service on beneficiaries. We also answer any questions from the Alberta Courts.
-
Once the Court issues the Grant, we provide copies and clear, step-by-step guidance on how to use it with banks, investment institutions, and Alberta Land Titles. We can also assist with creditor advertisement and land transfers.
Because our estate team includes experienced CPAs, we can also support with estate tax questions and CRA filings.
#200, 2230 68 Street NE Calgary, AB