Free Probate Guide

Select your location and get a step-by-step probate checklist tailored to your jurisdiction. Documents, timelines, and common pitfalls — all in one place.

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Practical guidance only. Not legal advice.

Step 1 of 2

Where is the estate located?

Probate rules and terminology vary by jurisdiction. This helps us show you the right information.

Country *

Province *

Quebec residents: Quebec uses civil law with different estate settlement requirements. We recommend consulting a Quebec notary.

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Probate

Progress Summary

Region, Canada

Documents0 of 8

Timeline0 of 19

Secure & Stabilize0/4

Week 1

Gather & Organize0/4

Weeks 1–2

File & Validate Authority0/3

Weeks 2–6

Notify & Settle0/4

Months 2–6

Distribute & Close0/4

Months 6–12+

Will: Yes

Timeline: 6–12 months

Practical guide, not legal advice

Updates in real-time as you work

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Probate — Professional-Ready Summary

Canada • Prepared February 28, 2026 via Provisio

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Practical guide, not legal advice

Executor Details

Decedent Details

Will: Yes

Asset & Liability Snapshot

Assets: Not yet documented

Liabilities: Not yet documented

Probate Document Checklist

Original will and any codicils

Death certificate (certified copies) (Order 5–10 through the funeral home or vital statistics office)

Probate application

Government-issued ID for executor

Asset statements (banks, investments, property) (Values as of date of death)

Recent tax returns

Property deed or title documents

Beneficiary designations (insurance, RRSP, TFSA, pension)

Timeline Progress

Secure & Stabilize (Week 1)

Secure the property, vehicles, and valuables

Locate the will and confirm you are named

Order certified death certificates

Notify immediate family and co-executors

Gather & Organize (Weeks 1–2)

Build an asset inventory

List all debts and liabilities

Identify beneficiary designations

Engage an estates lawyer or probate professional

File & Validate Authority (Weeks 2–6)

File the probate application with the court

Receive your court authority document

Open an estate bank account

Notify & Settle (Months 2–6)

Notify all institutions with court authority

Publish notice to creditors (if required)

Settle debts and ongoing obligations

File final tax returns

Distribute & Close (Months 6–12+)

Prepare a final accounting

Obtain beneficiary releases (recommended)

Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries

Close the estate

Jurisdiction Notes

Executor is the term used in Canada.

Court authority: Grant of Probate

Typical timeline: 6–12 months

Filing fees: Probate fees vary by province. Consult your provincial court for current fee schedules.

This summary is practical guidance for estate administration, not legal advice. Consult a qualified estates professional in Canada for your specific situation.

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