When a loved one passes and you’ve been named their executor, you may wonder what steps you need to take to settle the estate, including what probate fees you need to pay.
As stated by Alberta's surrogate court, probate fees in 2022 are determined by the size of the estate and are as follows:
| Net value of property in the estate | Probate Fee |
|---|---|
| $10,000 or under | $35 |
| $10,000 - $25,000 | $135 |
| $25,000 - $125,000 | $275 |
| $125,000 - $250,000 | $400 |
| $250,000 + | $525 |
An executor of a will is also called a personal representative and carries out the deceased person's wishes. Individuals usually appoint executors as part of the estate planning process and name them in their will.
The executor or personal representative handles funeral arrangements, settles debts, and distributes property. In order to have their authority legally validated, an executor will often have to seek a grant of probate or administration, where the court validates the will and the executor's authority to handle the estate.
If the court validates the will, the executor can move forward with property distribution and handling other estate matters. When a deceased person has not chosen an executor, the court will appoint one. The executor must pay probate fees to get the process started.
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