Professional Representative*
For families seeking a professional executor to be responsible for the estate settlement of a Canadian estate, with ClearEstate handling the administrative burden, providing total peace of mind.
- ClearEstate's trust partner acts as estate representative, while ClearEstate acts as agent, to professionally manage the estate settlement*
- ClearEstate carries out entire estate settlement process, typically 200+ hours over 12-18 months
- ClearEstate handles all communications with beneficiaries and 3rd parties
- ClearEstate handles data entry of all estate information
- ClearEstate facilitates the set up of the estate bank account
- ClearEstate facilitates liquidation of assets, payments of liabilities
- ClearEstate arranges the estate distribution and releases
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*Professional Estate Representative service is provided in partnership with ClearEstate's trust partner, Natcan Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Bank of Canada, and is subject to partner and court approval. Estates must be solvent (able to pay their debts) and free from legal claims, such as a challenge to the Will, a dispute among beneficiaries or any other litigation involving the estate. ClearEstate acts as agent to the executor. ClearEstate is not a trust company, is not a law firm, and does not provide legal, accounting, tax or financial advice.
**ClearEstate's fee: 1.75% on the first $20M of fair market value of the estate assets as of date of death, 0.5% on the balance. Subject to a minimum fee of $21,000. Some estates are more time consuming or complicated to settle, in such cases, additional fees may apply. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Pricing may vary by province. Comparison figures reflect typical market rates; fees charged by other providers vary. Fees exclude commissioning or notarization of documents, publication of notice to creditors, probate fees/tax, costs to transfer real title, services rendered by other professionals such as appraisers, property managers, etc., or other estate expenses and liabilities.
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FAQs about estate settlement
Probate is the legal process that confirms a will is valid and officially appoints the executor who will manage the estate. This step gives the executor the authority to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute what's left according to the will. ClearEstate helps simplify and guide you through this often complex process.
The length of the probate process can vary widely depending on the complexity of the estate and the rules in the jurisdiction where it’s being settled. In general, probate can usually take several weeks to several months. The entire estate settlement process can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Probate fees are charged by the court when applying for probate. The amount varies by province and is usually based on the total value of the estate.
For example:
- Ontario charges roughly 1.5% of the estate’s value (with the first $50,000 exempt).
- British Columbia charges about 1.4% after a small exemption.
- Alberta uses a flat fee structure, generally capped at a few hundred dollars.
Because every jurisdiction has its own rules and thresholds, the total amount can differ significantly. To make it easier, ClearEstate offers a free Probate Fee Calculator so you can estimate costs quickly and accurately based on where you live and the size of the estate.
During your 30-minute consultation, you'll speak with an experienced estate specialist who will review your situation, answer any questions you have, and walk you through potential next steps. Whether you're planning ahead or navigating a recent loss, this no-obligation session is designed to help you understand your options and determine if ClearEstate is the right fit for your needs.
Yes. ClearEstate can prepare and file all necessary probate documents on your behalf, ensuring they meet the legal requirements of your jurisdiction. If your case involves additional legal steps or complexities, we'll coordinate with legal professionals from our partner network to support you every step of the way.