The process of obtaining an Order for Probate can take anything from a few weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the Estate. A Wills Search must be conducted, which takes approximately three (3) weeks to obtain. Notices must be sent out to each person who is a beneficiary under the Will or may have an entitlement to the estate under the Wills Estates and Succession Act B.C. Thereafter, once all assets and liabilities of the Deceased are gathered with known values of such assets and liabilities at the date of death, an application is made to court for review including affidavits and other documentation required by the court.
The basic fee payable for the application for probate is $200. The basic fee is waived if the gross value of the estate does not exceed $25,000. The $25,000 threshold is determined by the value of all the property of the deceased situated in British Columbia.
In addition to the basic application fee, the probate fees depend on the value of the estate:
- For the first $25,000-$50,000 in value, $6 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000), plus
- For any value over $50,000, $14 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000).