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Estate Probate Lawyer

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Probate and Estate Administration Lawyers

*Please note, our probate practice is currently at capacity and we are unable to start new probate files at this time. We would recommend calling Teryl Scott Lawyers to assist you in your probate needs.

When it comes to navigating the complex legal procedures of probate in Nova Scotia, hiring an experienced estate administration and probate lawyer in Halifax can make all the difference. Our Halifax probate and estate administration lawyers, who serve all of Nova Scotia, will handle all responsibilities with respect to managing and distributing your estate.  To avoid any legal implications, it is important to get the advice and support of a probate lawyer.

After death, a Will sometimes needs to be submitted for probate, particularly when financial institutions like banks or investment companies are involved. These companies typically require legal recognition from the probate registry before they can release funds to the executor/personal representative named in the Will. If there is no Will, an administrator must be appointed through the probate registry to distribute your assets and pay your debts. These applications are just a few of the things our probate and estate administration lawyers can help with.

Talk to our probate lawyers today to help your probate process in Nova Scotia go smoothly. 

Award Winning
Probate and Estate Administration Lawyers Halifax

Senior Counsel Shawn Scott is Brookshire Law Office's Incorporation Lawyer

Our Probate Team

Shawn Scott is our Halifax probate lawyer. Shawn guides clients through the probate process with clarity and care, helping executors meet their legal responsibilities and navigate the court system. Her approachable style and attention to detail make her a trusted resource during what is often a difficult time.

Our probate team is here to guide you through the complexities of the probate process in Nova Scotia. We believe that during a time of loss, your focus should be on your family—not on legal paperwork. With the support of experienced lawyers, we help ensure everything is handled properly, efficiently, and with care.

Probate - Legal Fees

Halifax Probate and Estate Administration Lawyers

*all prices plus 4% admin fee, HST and expenses

Hourly
$550/ hour for senior counsel and $250/ hour for probate paralegal.

A $2500 retainer is held in trust for these services

Probate Lawyer

Halifax, Nova Scotia

  • Make application for probate and obtain copies of the grant of probate from the registry
  • Locate and protect estate assets
  • Establish trusts of children or those named in the Will
  • Assist and ensure that the relevant estate taxes are paid in a timely manner
  • Identify and pay the legitimate debts that burden the estate
  • Distribute the estate as per the Will and provide a full accounting to the beneficiaries

The need for probate is dependent on the specific circumstances of the estate. If the deceased person’s assets were jointly owned, for example, or they had named beneficiaries, probate may not be required. It is best to have a consultation with a probate lawyer to make sure you are complying with local regulations.

If there is a Will, the executor(s) apply for probate. If their was no Will, firstly a surviving spouse and any adult children would apply. Our Nova Scotia probate lawyer can explain how the Intestate Succession Act determines this, and how if there are no surviving partners or children, who applies.

Most often, property can be sold while the estate is still in probate. However, court approval may be required to sell the property, a probate lawyer can help with these applications.

The main expense is probate tax, which is calculated on the value of the estate.
Typically probate in Nova Scotia takes a minimum of a year, mostly because the estate must be advertised for six months.
 

We have a blog titled “What is Involved in Probate in Nova Scotia” which answers 12 common questions about probate. 

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