Our Estate Probate Lawyers
Steve Burton
Right now, when you hire our firm to do an estate probate we'll pay $100 of the estate's probate fees. In other words, the disbursements set out on our Statement of Account, will be $100 less than what is actually paid.
What is Estate Probate in BC?
Estate probate is the process of transferring title to property and assets from a deceased person to the heirs (a.k.a. beneficiaries). It's also called "probating the estate."
The estate probate process in British Columbia is completed with an Order of the BC Supreme Court.
The Last Will and Testament in Estate Probate
The guiding document in a BC estate probate is the deceased's Last Will and Testament (the Will). The Will sets out who the beneficiaries are and which assets they are to receive. Let us help with your BC probate matter.
Call us toll free at 1-855-467-0505 to set up an appointment with one of our BC estate probate lawyers.
Our Estate Probate Lawyers
Scott T. Johnston
How long does Estate Probate take in British Columbia?
The duration can vary widely from as short as 6 months to taking years. Generally, the more beneficiaries involved the longer the process can take. Also, a more financially complex estate takes longer as well. For example, if there are unsettled tax matters that require addressing, the probate process can be delayed.
However, the greatest delay may be the result of a beneficiary or beneficiaries contesting the Will. This means the heirs take issue with the Will and start an action in Court to seek that the terms of the Will be changed. Given that contesting a Will is a litigation process, it can take years unless it's resolved outside of Court before the trial date.
When is probating an estate required?
Whenever a decedent owns property in their own name solely, then the estate must be probated. This is because title of property must be transferred to the heirs/beneficiaries which requires the probate process.