Real Estate Legal Services
Estates, Probate & Survivorship Applications
When a loved one passes away, dealing with the real estate they owned can feel overwhelming. We handle the property side of estate administration — probate where required, survivorship applications where it isn't, and transfers from the estate to the beneficiaries.
Fixed legal fee from $999* + HST + disbursements
What's Included
Every estates, probate & survivorship applications file we open includes the following work, with no surprise fees added at closing:
- Initial review of the will, death certificate and existing title
- Determining whether probate (Certificate of Appointment) is required
- Preparing and filing survivorship applications, where applicable
- Calculating Estate Administration Tax (EAT) on real estate
- Preparing the transfer from the estate to the named beneficiaries
- Coordinating with the executor / estate trustee on signing logistics
- Registering all required documents on title
- Reporting to the estate trustee after registration
Our Step-by-Step Process
- Initial consultation
We review the will, the death certificate and the current title to confirm what's required. - Probate or survivorship?
If the property was held jointly with a survivor, a survivorship application is enough. If not, we typically need a Certificate of Appointment (probate) before transferring. - Document preparation
We prepare the appropriate transfer or application, calculate any Estate Administration Tax, and coordinate signatures. - Registration
We register the transfer or survivorship application, paying any fees. - Reporting
Estate trustee receives a full reporting letter and the registered documents.
Documents You'll Need
- The original will (or notarial copy)
- The death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for the estate trustee(s) and beneficiaries
- A copy of any existing Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee
- Most recent property tax bill
Don't have everything ready? Send what you have and we'll guide you through the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need probate to transfer real estate from an estate?
What is Estate Administration Tax (EAT)?
Can the executor sell the property before transferring to beneficiaries?
What if the deceased's name is still on title alongside a survivor?
How long does this process take?
About Your Lawyer
Meet Jonathan Mak
Jonathan Mak is a Scarborough-based lawyer serving clients across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. He built his practice on clear communication, responsive service and pragmatic legal strategy — whether you are facing a family transition, a business dispute, an estate matter or a sensitive personal issue.
Jonathan and his team combine technical legal skill with genuine empathy. Clients consistently note that he explains options in plain language, sets realistic expectations on cost and timing, and stays accessible throughout the file. He is committed to delivering full-service legal support that meets the standards of the GTA's most demanding clients.
Ready to move forward?
Get a no-obligation quote within 24 hours. We close files anywhere in Ontario.