Know This Before You Apply For A Grant Of Probate In BC
Wealth distribution and estate management after an individual’s demise are important for several parties. With probate, you can successfully execute a will and distribute wealth as per the deceased person’s wishes. It is designed to authenticate wills and ensure fair estate management according to the deceased people’s wishes.
You can apply for a grant of probate in BC if you are a will executor. You can get this grant from the Supreme Court only of the concerned estate is only in a single deceased person’s name. Applying for a grant of probate implies that you want legal authority over managing the deceased person’s wealth. After applying for this grant, the executor waits for the court to approve it before continuing with their affairs.
You should also know you will need probate in British Columbia only if the concerned estate’s worth is more than $25,000.
Moreover, probate grant is important for financial institutions and other relevant organizations to release the assets they hold. If you are planning to apply for such a grant, work with an experienced wills and estate lawyer in British Columbia to navigate the process seamlessly.
Before you go ahead, you should have a basic idea about applying for a grant of probate. Here is everything you should know before making this application:
When Will You Obtain Your Grant Of Probate?
This depends on many factors. As an executor, be prepared to wait longer than you expect.
Key factors determining this time include the court system’s workload and the complexity of the deceased individual’s estate. When you receive the probate grant also depends on whether the will is contested. A contested will make the process even longer. Typically, you can expect to receive a response within three to six months of the application date.
Gathering Documents
Ensure that you gather all necessary documents before applying for a grant of probate in British Columbia. They may include one or more of these documents (among others):
- Death certificate
- The will (original copy)
- Details of beneficiaries
- Details about the assets/liabilities
Your wills and estate lawyer will give you the list of documents to gather and ensure that you are prepared as you make your application.
Filling Forms
As an executor, you will be asked to affidavit forms while making your application. Your lawyer will help you procure and fill these forms.
Filing The Forms
You can now file your forms with the Supreme Court after filling them. You may visit the courthouse in person or carry on digitally.
Paying Your Fees
Every court application you make in British Columbia will require you to pay a fee of $200. While your lawyer will give you all the details, you can contact the court directly or visit its official website to stay updated with fee-related information.
The Court Hearing
As an executor, you should also be aware of the court hearing regarding your application. Depending on when it is scheduled, you will need to attend such a hearing to provide the necessary proof supporting your probate grant application.
Knowing What Happens Later
While you apply for a grant of probate in British Columbia, you should also know what happens once your grant is approved. This helps you inform all the parties involved on time and plan ahead.
Once the court approves your grant, you will have the authority to manage the concerned deceased person’s estate. You can now go ahead with wealth distribution according to the will. You will also settle the deceased person’s debts and pay their taxes before distributing their wealth.
Receive Cube Law’s Help In Applying For A Grant Of Probate In British Columbia
If you are an executor managing wealth distribution on the basis of a will, Cube Law will help you make your probate grant application. Our wills and estate lawyers in British Columbia advise their clients about the legal and administrative implications of the application. Guiding you every step of the way, we will ensure that you make your application the right way. From gathering documents to registering your application with the court, our lawyers will assist you with everything you need to know about receiving a grant of probate.
(Please note that this content is written only for informative purposes. This is no legal advice from Cube Law. Learn more about our services and hire wills and estate lawyers for your application by contacting us today.)