Cost summary
BC probate costs include a $200 court filing fee plus probate fees of approximately 1.4% on estate value over $50,000. For a $500,000 estate, expect about $6,650 in court costs alone, plus other expenses like commissioning fees and professional help if used.
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Court filing fee
Every probate application requires a $200 filing fee paid when you submit your application to the registry. This is the same regardless of estate size.
Probate fees (estate administration tax)
BC charges probate fees based on the gross value of the estate (assets before debts). The fee structure is:
| Estate Value | Fee Rate |
|---|---|
| First $25,000 | No fee |
| $25,001 to $50,000 | $6 per $1,000 (0.6%) |
| Over $50,000 | $14 per $1,000 (1.4%) |
What counts as "estate value"?
Gross value of assets that pass through probate. This includes real estate, bank accounts, investments, and vehicles in the deceased's name alone. It does NOT include joint assets, accounts with beneficiaries, or life insurance with beneficiaries.
Example calculations
Example 1: $100,000 estate
- First $25,000: $0
- Next $25,000 (at 0.6%): $150
- Remaining $50,000 (at 1.4%): $700
- Probate fees: $850
- Filing fee: $200
- Total court costs: $1,050
Example 2: $500,000 estate
- First $25,000: $0
- Next $25,000 (at 0.6%): $150
- Remaining $450,000 (at 1.4%): $6,300
- Probate fees: $6,450
- Filing fee: $200
- Total court costs: $6,650
Example 3: $1,000,000 estate
- First $25,000: $0
- Next $25,000 (at 0.6%): $150
- Remaining $950,000 (at 1.4%): $13,300
- Probate fees: $13,450
- Filing fee: $200
- Total court costs: $13,650
Other costs to expect
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Commissioner/notary for affidavits | $50 - $150 |
| Wills notice search | ~$20 |
| Certified copies of grant | $40 each |
| Death certificates | $27 each |
| Registered mail for notices | $15-$25 per notice |
| Land title searches/transfers | $50-$200+ |
Professional help costs
| Option | Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (no help) | $0 | You do everything yourself |
| ProbateDesk | $799 - $2,499 | All forms prepared, guidance throughout (tier-based) |
| Notary | $1,500 - $3,500 | Form preparation (limited scope) |
| Lawyer (full service) | $3,000 - $15,000+ | Full legal representation |
Ways to reduce probate costs
The only way to reduce probate fees is to reduce the estate value that goes through probate:
- Joint ownership: Assets held jointly pass outside probate
- Beneficiary designations: RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance with named beneficiaries avoid probate
- Multiple wills: Some use separate wills for different asset types (complex, needs legal advice)
- Gifting: Assets given away before death aren't in the estate (tax implications)
Warning
Strategies to reduce probate fees can have unintended consequences: tax issues, family disputes, loss of control over assets. Get professional advice before making major changes to asset ownership.
Return to the Complete BC Probate Guide →
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the probate fees?
Probate fees are paid from the estate, not from the executor's personal funds. However, the executor often pays upfront and reimburses themselves from estate assets once they're accessible.
Are probate fees tax deductible?
Probate fees are an estate administration expense and can be claimed on the estate's tax return, reducing taxes owed by the estate.
What if I can't afford the fees upfront?
Some executors use personal funds temporarily. Others arrange with beneficiaries to contribute. In some cases, banks will release small amounts for estate administration costs before probate is complete.