Probate BC Fee Calculator
This probate calculator helps calculate BC probate fees. Probate fees in BC are calculated based on the total value of the estate. An estate’s value is the value of all the estate’s assets, less any debts. Probate fees are only charged on estates worth more than $25,000. Our BC probate calculator calculates BC probate fees only.
Probate fees for other provinces will be different than the BC probate fees. This probate calculator is meant to be used as a quick reference, and does not provide legal advice. If you have questions or concerns about probate fees, or our probate calculator, please contact us.
Value of the Estate:
$
(Do not include commas)
BC Probate Fees:
$0
If you have questions or need help with probate fees, probate applications, or estate planning, we are here to assist you. Contact us through the form below, or call us directly at 604-449-7779 to schedule a consultation.
What are BC Probate Fees?
In British Columbia, fees are charged to an estate prior to receiving a grant of probate, these are called “probate fees.” Obtaining a grant of probate is the process by which a will is validated or approved by a court. If an estate’s value is over $25,000 it must be probated before the assets can be distributed. If an estate’s value $25,000 or less, there are no BC probate fees. If you are named as an executor in a will, we can help you with your probate application. Contact us for more information.
What is the Value of an Estate?
The value of an estate is the combined value of all the estate’s assets, less the estate debt.
How Can I Reduce BC Probate Fees?
The probate fees paid by an estate are based entirely on the estate’s value. The only way to reduce probate fees, is to reduce the value of the estate. This can be done by careful estate planning. For example, if two people own a house in joint tenancy and one of them dies, the survivor will become the sole owner of the house. This means that the house will not be part of the estate, and there will be no BC probate fees charged on it. Life insurance policies, RRSPs, and other accounts with beneficiaries appointed can also pass directly to the beneficiaries without being part of the estate, and therefore not subject to probate. There are other, more sophisticated, estate planning tools, such as trusts, that can be used to reduce the potential value of the estate and, as such, reduce the probate fees associated with it.
Probate Fees BC and Estate Planning
If you have questions or need help with probate fees, probate applications, or estate planning, we are here to assist you. Contact us through the form below, or call us directly at 604-449-7779 to schedule your consultation.