In Ontario, going through probate is often a required process if the estate of the deceased is particularly large or complex and includes many assets that aren’t jointly held or don’t have directly named beneficiaries.
In order to begin the process of settling an estate, an estate executor or estate trustee has to formally apply for probate with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in order to receive the authority to begin managing the assets in the estate or the trust.
If the estate is valued at more than $150,000 in assets, then the executor applies for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, which is a legal document that basically states that the petition for probate has been granted and the applicant now has the authority to act as executor or trustee.