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Guides
Plain-language answers to the questions Ontario families and estate trustees ask us most, written by the lawyer who would handle your file.
Each guide is general information about Ontario law as it stands on the date shown at the top of the page. It is not legal advice about your situation. When you are ready to talk about yours, the first 15 minutes are free.
Do you need probate in Ontario?
Which assets need a certificate, which pass outside the estate, and how banks decide.
Read the guide
How long does probate take?
A phase-by-phase timeline, and the things that most often add months.
Read the guide
Estate Administration Tax Calculator
Estimate the tax on any estate value, with worked examples and what counts.
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Estate trustee duties in Ontario
Everything the executor is responsible for, in the order it needs doing.
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Dying without a will in Ontario
Who inherits under the intestacy rules, and who is left out.
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Probate document checklist
What to gather before the first meeting so nothing holds up the application.
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