Fixed-fee probate applications for executors and estate trustees across Ontario. We prepare, file, and manage applications involving estates with a Will, estates without a Will, and qualifying small estates.
Ontario-Wide Service • Virtual Appointments
We prepare and file applications for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee where the deceased left a valid Will.
We assist eligible family members with probate applications where the deceased died without a valid Will.
We handle simplified probate applications for qualifying Ontario estates valued at $50,000 or less.
We review the Will, estate assets, beneficiaries, proposed estate trustee, and any issues that may affect the application.
We confirm whether the estate requires probate with a Will, without a Will, or through the Small Estate Certificate process.
We prepare the required application, affidavits, notices, draft certificate, and supporting materials.
We submit the completed probate application and supporting documents to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
If the court requests corrections, clarification, or additional evidence, we prepare and file the required response.
Once the application is approved, the court issues the Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, allowing the estate trustee to collect assets and continue administering the estate.
Our fixed-fee probate packages are designed for qualifying, uncontested applications. Before we begin, we review the estate and confirm the applicable legal fee in writing.
Estate Administration Tax, HST, court charges, third-party disbursements, litigation, court motions, bonds, and additional estate administration services are not included unless expressly stated in the retainer agreement.
Fixed Fees: $1,500 + HST For qualifying Ontario estates valued at $50,000 or less. - Small Estate Certificate application - Preparation of required court forms - Review of estate information - Electronic filing of the application. NOTE: Fixed fees apply to qualifying, uncontested probate applications and are confirmed in writing before work begins
Fixed Fees: $1,800 + HST For a straightforward probate application where the deceased left a valid original Will. - Review of the Will and codicils - Preparation of probate documents - Required beneficiary notices - Electronic filing of the application NOTE: Fixed fees apply to qualifying, uncontested probate applications and are confirmed in writing before work begins
Fixed Fees: $2,500 + HST For a straightforward estate where the deceased died without a valid Will. - Review of intestacy requirements - Preparation of court documents - Required consents and notices - Electronic filing of the application. NOTE: Fixed fees apply to qualifying, uncontested probate applications and are confirmed in writing before work begins
Executors, estate trustees, and families throughout Ontario rely on Shaikh Law Firm for clear advice, responsive communication, and practical assistance with probate and estate administration matters.
Probate is not required for every estate. Whether a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee is necessary depends on the assets, how they were owned, and the requirements of the institutions holding them.
Shaikh Law Firm is led by Ali Shaikh, an Ontario lawyer with international legal education and experience assisting clients with probate, estate administration, real estate, and related legal matters.
Probate matters often involve more than preparing court forms. Estate trustees may require guidance concerning beneficiary notices, estate assets, financial institutions, court requisitions, real property, and their legal responsibilities. Our role is to identify these issues early and provide clear, practical guidance throughout the application process.
We assist clients throughout Ontario through virtual appointments, secure document exchange, and direct communication with our legal team. Meeting locations are available by appointment in Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Ottawa.
No. Probate is not required for every estate. Whether it is necessary depends on the assets, how they were owned, and the requirements of banks, investment institutions, the Land Registry Office, and other third parties.
It is a document issued by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirming the legal authority of an estate trustee to administer the deceased’s estate.
A straightforward probate application may be processed within 6 to 8 weeks after filing. Processing times vary depending on the court location, workload, completeness of the application, and whether additional information or corrections are required.
A standard probate application with a Will ordinarily requires the original signed Will. Where the original cannot be located, the application may still proceed, but additional evidence and, in some cases, a court order proving a copy of the Will may be required.
The person is considered to have died intestate. An eligible person may apply to become the estate trustee, and the estate is distributed according to Ontario’s intestacy laws.
Shaikh Law Firm offers fixed legal fees for qualifying, uncontested probate applications. Our current packages are $1,500 + HST for qualifying estates valued under $50,000, $1,800 + HST for straightforward probate applications with a valid Will, and $2,500 + HST for straightforward applications without a Will. Estate Administration Tax, court charges, disbursements, litigation, and additional estate administration work are not included unless stated in the retainer agreement.
Yes. An executor may live outside Ontario, but additional procedural, tax, bonding, or practical issues may arise depending on where the executor resides and the circumstances of the estate. We assist executors throughout Canada and internationally where an Ontario probate application is required.
Yes. An estate trustee may incur personal liability where estate assets are distributed improperly, debts or taxes are left unpaid, beneficiaries or creditors are treated incorrectly, or the trustee otherwise breaches their legal obligations. Obtaining legal advice before distributing the estate can help reduce these risks.
The property may sometimes be listed or conditionally sold before the Certificate of Appointment is issued. However, completing the sale will often require formal court authority where the property was owned solely by the deceased. Our probate and real estate departments can coordinate the probate application, transmission of title, and sale of the property.
Speak with an Ontario probate lawyer about the Will, estate assets, probate requirements, legal fees, and the documents required to move the application forward.
Learn more about probate fees, court timelines, and which estate assets may require probate in Ontario.
Review Ontario probate legal fees and use our calculator to estimate Estate Administration Tax based on the value of the estate.
Learn all you need to know about Probate in Ontario