Frequently Asked Questions about
our Probate Services
Why do you charge a flat fee when estate lawyers charge a flat fee plus percentage?
Some people think that there may be a “catch” to our advertised fee, and we will charge some hidden or additional costs.
Our fees are exactly as advertised. We charge a flat fee instead of a flat fee plus percentage because our firm utilizes the latest technology (including our own internal processes and software) to ensure that we are operating efficiently. This allows us to save time and complete the work faster than law firms. Our efficiency means we can charge less than traditional probate firms and services that do not have the same processes and resources.
Further, our firm is not a traditional law firm but legal services provider. This allows us to complete similar work that would be completed in a law firm, but at a fraction of the price. There are some kinds of matters, such as complicated applications, which are better suited for a traditional law firm, but it doesn’t make sense to pay big law firm fees for basic legal work. That’s where we come in.
What about complicated applications?
Our service is appropriate for “non-complicated” matters. Complicated matters would include situations where
There is some defect with the will and the validity of the will could be challenged
There is a concern about the mental state of the deceased at the time they made a will, or that the will was made under duress
There is a person who has a potential claim against the estate - like a disabled adult child
There are no Personal Representatives who live in Alberta
When we conduct our free 1/2 hour consultation, we evaluate your matter to determine whether our services are appropriate.
What is included in your flat fee service, and what is the process?
Our service completes all the work necessary for you, the Personal Representative, to receive a Grant of Probate or Grant of Administration.
Our process starts with an initial free 1/2 hour consultation where we take some initial information about the estate and answer your questions.
If you decide to retain us, we will collect all of the documents and information we require, then complete the application for you using the Alberta government’s online Surrogate Digital Service.
Once the application is completed by us, you will certify the application and pay the court filing fee. At that point, the application will be considered “filed” with the Courts, and notice will be sent to the beneficiaries.
In about 2 to 4 weeks, you will receive the Grant of Probate (or Administration), which is a Court order that allows you full access to all estate property and deal with its finances.
If you have more questions, or are interested in a free no obligation 1/2 hour consult,
call us at 1-587-200-4866, or contact us here: