Governed by Section 87(2) of the Nova Scotia Probate Act, probate fees are levied on estates to cover the costs associated with the legal validation of a will and the administration of the estate.

In Nova Scotia, these fees are applied through a tiered structure and apply to all assets passing through a will, a trust under a will, or intestacy (when there is no will)

Here is the detailed breakdown of the probate fee:

Probate fees in Nova Scotia follow a tiered payment structure outlined in Section 87(2) of the Probate Act, and is as follows:

• For estates not exceeding $10,000: a fee of $85.60.
• For estates between $10,000 and $25,000: a fee of $215.20.
• For estates between $25,000 and $50,000: a fee of $358.15.
• For estates between $50,000 and $100,000: a fee of $1,002.65.
• For estates exceeding $100,000: a base fee of $1,002.65, plus an additional $16.95 for every $1,000 (or portion thereof) exceeding $100,000

According to the Government of Nova Scotia, the estate value is the sum of the gross value of personal property and the net value of land located in Nova Scotia. Let's break down this calculation process in detail.

Calculating The Value Of Real Property (Land)

The first step involves assessing the value of any land owned by the deceased. This could be the fair market value or the most recent tax assessment.

From this value, subtract any mortgages, secured lines of credit, or recorded judgments.

(Fair market value of real property/land - mortgages/secured lines of credit = value of land)

Calculating The Value Of Personal Property

Money:

Gather recent bank statements to find the balance of any accounts. Funds in accounts with a named beneficiary, not passing through the estate, should be excluded.

If exact amounts are unknown, estimate the value, and then update it after being appointed as the personal representative and accessing bank records.

Personal Items:

Estimate the value of personal belongings such as clothing, jewelry, household items, art, furniture, and electronics.

Items jointly owned, particularly with a spouse, should be excluded. A general estimate for personal items, especially if most belongings remain with a surviving spouse, is acceptable.

Vehicles:

Include all vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, watercraft, trailers, RVs) in the personal property category.

Overall Estate Valuation

The total estate value is the sum of the gross value of personal property plus the net value of the land.

(Sum of gross value of personal property + net value of land = estate value for probate)

To better help you with your calculations, enter the estate value for probate and we'll provide you with an accurate estimation of the probate fee the estate will face.

Understand Probate fees with ease.

Navigating probate fees in Nova Scotia doesn't have to be a challenging journey. Our article sheds light on how these fees are determined, guiding you through the complexities of estate valuation, including both personal property and real estate within the province.

Whether your estate is modest or substantial, understanding the fee structure is crucial. From the basic fee for smaller estates to the detailed calculations for larger ones, we've covered everything you need to know.

But understanding probate fees is just the first step. The real challenge lies in managing these fees effectively as part of your estate planning. That's where our expertise comes in. With a deep understanding of Nova Scotia's probate process, our team is ready to provide you with tailored advice and strategies to navigate these waters smoothly.

Don't let the details of probate fees add to the stress of estate planning. Book a free consultation with our probate experts today and take the first step towards a hassle-free experience. Let us guide you with the expertise and care your estate deserves.