How long does probate take in Ontario?

Processing times for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee in Ontario vary depending on the court location and the completeness of the application. In straightforward cases with a properly prepared application, you can expect the process to take several months, though some jurisdictions have experienced longer backlogs in recent years.

The timeline depends on several factors: whether the will is straightforward, whether an estate information return has been filed with the province, whether any beneficiaries must be notified in advance (estate notices may be required), and the current workload of the local Superior Court of Justice. Incomplete applications or errors in the filing can cause additional delays.

Executors should plan for this timeline when dealing with third parties who require a certificate before releasing assets. Some institutions will allow partial administration in the interim — for example, releasing funds to cover funeral costs — but this varies by institution.