Our fees: no mysteries and no surprises.
Whenever possible, we charge fair, flat fees, in an amount agreed in advance. We are not fans of ‘the billable hour’ and prefer clear budgets for specific tasks, and we want you to know how much something will cost before you authorize us to proceed.
We always try to have frank, candid discussions with our clients about costs, and benefits before we move forward. That way you know how long things will take and how much they will cost at each step of the way.
When we act for or advise the estate trustee (executor) these fees are generally ultimately reimbursed by the estate, and are not paid by the executor personally.
Flat fees
In ‘probate’ matters our standard flat fees for preparing and filing on your behalf an application for appointment of estate trustee are:
“Small and simple” estates (Less than $100,000, no dispute, one executor, less than 4 beneficiaries)
With a will: $1750 +HST (application for appointment of estate trustee with a will)
Without a will: $2250 + HST (application for appointment of estate trustee without a will)
“Normal” estates (not highly contentious, multiple sets of assets, multiple beneficiaries, more than one executor …)
With a will: $2250 + HST
Without a will: $2750 + HST
“Complex” estates (contentious probate applications, uncertain entitlements, unclear beneficiaries, multiple jurisdictions)
Prices on request.
These prices are subject to confirmation of the specific facts. Issues such as one or more executors resident outside Ontario, renunciation of an executor, beneficiaries whose location is unknown, are not included. The estate is also responsible for paying all out-of-pocket expenses associated with the probate application. This includes the probate fees payable to the Government of Ontario, administrative bonds (if required), as well as any courier and software transaction charges.
Additional matters beyond the application, including advice to you about transfer of specific assets are not included and are billed separately.
Estate Administration.
Our fees are usually in accordance with the Ontario Court ‘tariff’ (2.5% of receipts, 2.5% of distributions). If we are administering the estate, these fees are all-inclusive of our fees, and include all probate applications, preparation of estate accounts, etc.
Tax returns.
Tax returns for the deceased in the last year of death are usually $750. Returns for the estate, $750. [For ‘normal’ complexity]. Returns for subsequent years: $500.
Initial consultations
Initial consultations are free. Detailed advice starts at $97 (learn more here).
Other services, including providing on-going advice to the estate trustee and passing of accounts are usually provided on a “flat fee per task basis”. Please Ask us for details.
We share the risk
We also conduct some litigation on a ‘success’ basis. Generally, this means that we expect you to pay a modest, but partial amount of the total cost, and we defer collection pending distribution of the estate. This means that you do not need to fund expensive litigation, especially if an estate trustee is depriving you of your share of the estate. In these cases, we look to recover our reasonable fees, plus a premium for the risk we took.
Engagement letters
Before we begin acting for you, we need to have a written engagement agreement in place. We draft it and send it to you. Only after we have received back the signed copy from you do we consider ourselves engaged and begin acting for you.
Payment
We accept all credit cards and PayPal, as well as Interac payments, wire transfers, direct deposit at TD Canada Trust, and certified cheques and bank drafts.