For an executor or family member handling an Ontario estate: from the first two weeks after a death through applying for probate, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what's left, what has to happen, in what order, and what the law requires. Seven stages carry you through it — the death, find the will, probate or not, apply, gather, debts & taxes and distribute — each explaining what happens, who is responsible, and what Ontario law requires. Calculators, a glossary and guides to download sit alongside the stages, and every one ends with our flat, published fee and a way to start a file online.
Your journey, step by step
Every stage is its own page: what happens, who is involved, what it costs, and where a lawyer comes in.
More situations in this centre
Beyond the core journey above: scenarios that change the steps.
Tools
Calculators, checklists that build themselves, and timelines you can drop a date into.
Enter the date of death to see a typical order of steps through probate and administration. Every estate moves at its own pace; treat this as a guide, not a deadline.
Checklist builderWhat does an executor need to do in the first 30 days?Answer a few questions about the estate and get a checklist of what to do first, sorted by whether it applies here. It is a starting point, not a substitute for legal advice on this estate.
QuizDoes this estate need probate?Six questions about the assets. The result is a plain read on whether the estate likely needs a Certificate of Appointment, and which route probably applies. It is a plain read, not a final answer; ask the specific institution too.
CalculatorEstate timeline estimatorUse this after a death, to see typical dates from the date of death through to distribution of an Ontario estate.
Checklist builderWhat documents does a probate application need?Answer a few questions about the estate to see which documents the application will actually require, beyond the basics. The institution or the court may still ask for more.
LiveEstate administration taxThe tax paid when applying for probate.
LiveExecutor compensationThe customary tariff, explained.
LiveIntestacy calculatorWho inherits when there is no will.
CalculatorFamily court timelineUse this once a family court application is issued, to see typical windows from application through to trial.
Who you'll deal with
And what each one is actually responsible for.
Named in the will, or applying without one, and responsible for administering the estate honestly and prudently from start to finish.
Regulated by Superior Court of JusticeConfirms authority, prepares the probate application, advises on debts, taxes and distribution, and drafts the accounts.
Regulated by Law Society of OntarioIssues the Certificate of Appointment, hears will challenges, and reviews accounts that are formally passed.
Regulated by Ministry of the Attorney GeneralCollects the estate administration tax and receives the Estate Information Return, with the power to audit or reassess it.
Regulated by Government of OntarioAssesses the deceased's and the estate's tax returns and issues the clearance certificate before final distribution.
Regulated by Government of CanadaEntitled to notice, information as the estate is administered, and an eventual accounting of what came in and went out.
Set their own requirements for releasing or transferring an asset, from a death certificate alone to a full Certificate of Appointment.
Regulated by FCAC and OSFI for banks; FSRA for credit unionsEntitled to be paid from the estate, in the order the law sets, before any beneficiary receives a distribution.
Prepares the terminal and estate tax returns and advises on the deemed disposition of capital property at death.
Regulated by CPA OntarioGuides to download
Free, by email, in seconds.
Read more
From the articles and answers already on the site.
Related centres
Other Learning Centres for the same transaction.
Words worth knowing
A few from the full glossary.
Start a file online in about seven minutes, or ask a lawyer first. Flat, published fees.