How long does probate take in Nova Scotia?
This answer covers the law of Nova Scotia.
There is no set processing time for the registrar's grant that applies to every estate, because it depends on whether your application is complete and whether anyone contests it. The whole administration takes longer than most people expect, because advertising in the Royal Gazette runs six months before the estate can move to distribution.
Delays at the start often come from incomplete material. The registrar may send a notice of rejection in Form 17 by ordinary mail if something is missing. Since April 1, 2024, you must include the original will as an exhibit to an affidavit. Contested matters go to a judge instead of the registrar.
After the grant, you must serve notice of the grant within 30 days and file a full inventory in Form 29 within 3 months. Distributing before the claims period ends risks personal liability for unpaid claims. Passing accounts must generally be applied for within 18 months of the grant unless the court orders a longer period. Your own timeline depends on the estate's assets, debts and family, and a lawyer can help you map the timing.
Key takeaways
- The Royal Gazette advertisement runs six months, and the estate can move to distribution only after it ends.
- An incomplete application can be sent back by a notice of rejection in Form 17 sent by ordinary mail.
- After the grant, notice of the grant is due within 30 days and the Form 29 inventory within 3 months.
- Distributing before the claims period ends risks personal liability for unpaid claims.