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There are many factors and costs that go into navigating the probate of a deceased individualu2019s estate. It is important for estate administrators to know the cost of the process upfront. In Alberta, fees are due when applying for a grant of probate.
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What a Probate Lawyer Wants You to Know About Alberta’s Probate Fee Structure
There are many factors and costs that go into navigating the probate of a deceased individual’s estate. It is important for estate administrators to know the cost of the process upfront. In Alberta, fees are due when applying for a grant of probate. A probate lawyer can clarify the process, which is sometimes confusing initially. Alberta features one of Canada’s most friendly fee structures for estates, so ensuring you only pay what’s legally required is worth it. Here’s what to know. How Does Alberta Calculate Probate Fees? Probate fees are tied directly to the value of the estate and differ from province to province.
Some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, use the estate’s gross value to calculate fees. This is the value of the estate before adjustments for outstanding obligations or other deductions. These provinces also charge fees as a percentage of the gross value, meaning they can grow substantially with the value of an estate. Alberta does things differently. Here, the province bases probate fees only on the estate’s net value—the total value of all assets owned exclusively by the deceased at the time of death, minus any outstanding debts or financial liabilities. Alberta also uses a flat fee structure arranged into tiers based on net value, and a maximum cost threshold is enforced.
What Are the Different Levels of Probate Fees? Review the chart below for an overview of the different probate fee tiers charged to estates in Alberta. This information is current as of 2025. Estate Value Fee Charged $10,000 or less $35 $10,001 to $25,000 $135 $25,001 to $125,000 $275 $125,001 to $250,000 $400
More than $250,000 $525 What Is the Process for Paying the Fee? The estate bears full financial responsibility for the fees required during the executor’s application for probate or administration. Probate fees can take precedence over other disbursements from the estate. They are paid up front when applying for the grant.
In most cases, estates working with a probate lawyer enjoy a simple process: the lawyer’s office will pay the fee online during the application process and then invoice the estate for a disbursement. Individuals working through the process independently must visit a courthouse to pay the probate fee directly when submitting their probate application.
Ensuring You Only Pay What the Law Requires Alberta’s fee structure is among the lowest in Canada, and the tiers are remarkably fair compared to estate values. Since these fees come from estate funds, executors should only pay what the law requires. Since these fees tie in to the net value of the estate, a clear, transparent accounting of both assets and liabilities is essential to arrive at the correct number. Handling this can be a complex undertaking, particularly for larger estates. Enlisting a probate lawyer with experience in these calculations can contribute to a more accurate and precise accounting of the estate’s net value. In turn, it clarifies what fee the estate must pay.
Find Helpful Guidance Today Applying for a grant of probate in Alberta does not have to be stressful. With experienced help supporting your efforts, you can take the appropriate next steps while minimizing unnecessary expenses to the estate. To learn more about taking advantage of Alberta’s generous fee structure, connect with a probate lawyer at Lypkie Henderson today for assistance in calculating estate value and determining your next steps.
