Ontario Probate & Estate Administration Fees
Administering an estate can feel overwhelming. We guide Executors through the Ontario probate process efficiently and with clarity. Below is a general pricing overview for probate applications in Ontario.
⚖️ Probate Applications — With a Valid Will
(Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee With a Will)
| Estate Size | Typical Legal Fee Range | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Small Estate (Under $150,000) |
$2,500 – $4,000 + HST | Simple assets, few institutions |
| Standard Estate ($150,000 – $500,000) |
$4,000 – $6,500 + HST | Most Ontario estates |
| Large Estate ($500,000 – $1M) |
$6,500 – $9,500 + HST | Multiple assets or institutions |
| High-Value / Complex ($1M+) |
From $9,500 + HST | Custom quote provided |
Includes: Executor guidance • Preparation of court documents • Review of assets/liabilities • Filing with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice • Ongoing procedural support
⚖️ Probate Applications — Without a Will
(Intestate Estates — additional legal steps are required to confirm authority to act)
| Estate Size | Typical Legal Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Small Estate (Under $150,000) | $3,500 – $5,500 + HST |
| Standard Estate ($150,000 – $500,000) | $5,500 – $8,500 + HST |
| Large Estate ($500,000 – $1M) | $8,500 – $12,000 + HST |
| Complex Estates | Custom Quote |
- Additional work often includes: identifying lawful heirs, preparing additional affidavits, serving statutory notices, and responding to court scrutiny requirements.
📄 Small Estate Certificate
(Ontario estates valued at $150,000 or less)
| Service | Legal Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Certificate Application | $2,000 – $3,000 + HST |
| With added complexity (multiple institutions, unclear asset values, etc.) |
$3,000 – $4,000 + HST |
Ideal when assets are limited, no disputes are anticipated, and beneficiaries cooperate.
🧾 Ontario Probate Tax
(Estate Administration Tax — paid to the Province, separate from legal fees)
| Estate Value | Tax Payable |
|---|---|
| First $50,000 | $0 |
| Amount above $50,000 | $15 per $1,000 |
Example: A $750,000 estate may have approximately $10,500 payable in probate tax.
🧩 Possible Additional Disbursements
(Only where required)
- Court filing fees
- Commissioner / notary fees
- Courier & service costs
- Asset or beneficiary searches
- Accountant or valuation reports
- Estate bond premiums (sometimes required without a Will)
🤝 Full Estate Administration Support (Optional)
Some Executors prefer professional administration support beyond the probate filing.
Estate administration services: typically 5%–6% of estate value (subject to minimum fee and complexity).
We can act as advisor to the Executor, or as Professional Estate Trustee (where appropriate).