Probate Lawyers In Edmonton
Clear guidance for Personal Representatives who don't want to guess, make mistakes, or let this turn into a bigger problem than it needs to be.
Book Initial ConsultationYou Don't Have To Figure This Out On Your Own
Being named as a Personal Representative comes with legal responsibility: even if you didn't ask for it and don't feel ready. Most people reach out when they're stuck, unsure what they're allowed to do, or being pressured for answers they can't confidently give.
An Initial Consultation is a way to get clear, professional guidance before mistakes are made. It's not about committing to a full legal process. It's about understanding your role, your risks, and your next steps.
What Happens Next (Step By Step)
Book Your Initial Consultation
Choose the consultation level that fits your situation and pick a time that works for you. If you're unsure which level makes sense, start with Standard. We can adjust if needed.
Complete The Intake Questionnaire
Complete our comprehensive intake questionnaire so the Lawyer has the full picture before your consultation. This allows us to prepare in advance and give you meaningful, situation-specific advice during the meeting, not just general information.
Share Key Documents (If You Have Them)
We'll request only what matters: typically the Will (if any), the death certificate, and any recent letters from banks, insurers, or CRA. If you don't have everything yet, we'll still move forward.
We Review In Advance
We look for the decision points, common traps, and what might require court authority. That way your consultation is focused on what matters most and what needs to happen first.
Initial Consultation With Your Lawyer
We walk through your role, your authority, and the right sequence of steps, so you can act with confidence. You'll also get clear guidance on what you should not do yet.
Leave With Clear Answers And A Plan
You'll know what to do next, what can wait, and what requires legal work (and what doesn't). You'll also leave with a practical plan for communicating with beneficiaries without guessing.
The Initial Consultation Is Usually An Estate Expense
In most cases, the cost of an Initial Consultation is a reimbursable estate expense, not a personal cost. The bank may reimburse you for those fees, even before you get a Grant from the Court!
Estate Administration Initial Consultation Options
Best for Personal Representatives who want clear guidance on their role and next steps.
Includes:
- Pre-consultation educational materials
- Advance review of intake information
- Initial Consultation (up to 45 minutes)
- Personal Representative Duties Progress Checklist
- Legal advice and plan for what comes next
Best for estates with added complexity or higher risk.
Includes everything in Standard, plus:
- Extended consultation time (up to 60 minutes)
- Advertising for creditors (legal fees)
Best for complex estates where more time is needed to work through details in one meeting.
Includes everything in Extended, plus:
- Additional consultation time (up to 90 minutes total)
NOTE: Disbursements (i.e. for advertising for creditors) and GST are extra.
What Our Clients Say
After a fairly disastrous experience with other lawyers, Evan dealt with my file effectively. Evan gives clear direction, communicates well, and is punctual. There were complications, but the next steps were always communicated and billing was seamless. I'm very thankful to have received such good service.
Mr. Clarke was amazing. He explained everything very clearly and gave me peace of mind. Excellent service. Will recommend them highly.
Clear Advice Without Losing Control
When A Lawyer Is Required: And When Advice Is Enough
If the estate requires a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Administration, you will likely need a Lawyer. The court process, notices, and filings are very difficult to get right without legal assistance.
Even where a Grant is not required, many Personal Representatives choose to get legal advice early to avoid mistakes that cause delay, conflict, or personal liability. An Initial Consultation helps you confirm where you stand.
These are common situations where legal advice is especially important:
- You are unsure whether a Grant from the Court is required
- Beneficiaries are pressuring you, disagreeing, or not communicating
- The estate includes real estate, a business, or multiple asset types
- There is no Will, the Will is unclear, or you expect a dispute
Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe: and this is one of the most common and important questions Personal Representatives face. Many estates require a Grant before banks, land titles, or other institutions will release assets. Other estates can move forward without one. The only way to know for sure is to look at the assets, how they are owned, and what institutions are involved. An Initial Consultation lets us determine this.
In Alberta, most Grant applications are now filed through the Surrogate Digital Service (SDS). When an application is eligible for SDS filing and all required beneficiaries and executor(s) complete their electronic certifications promptly, a Grant is often issued within approximately two weeks. Some applications cannot be filed through SDS: including applications attempted without a Lawyer, or applications that fall outside what the system permits. In those cases, the process is paper-based and timelines commonly extend to several months. During your Initial Consultation, we can confirm which process applies to your estate and what to expect for timing.
If a Grant is required, you will need a Lawyer. Even when a Grant is not required, many Personal Representatives choose to get legal advice early to avoid mistakes, manage risk, and confirm the right order of steps.
Size doesn't eliminate legal responsibility. Many problems arise in smaller estates because steps are taken too early or out of order.
No. The Initial Consultation is a standalone service. Any further work is discussed separately.
If a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Administration is required, our legal fee is typically $3,500 + GST, plus court filing fees and disbursements. This fee covers preparing and filing the court application, required notices, and guiding you through the process properly. We'll confirm whether a Grant is required and explain the scope and cost clearly during your Initial Consultation before any work is started.
Get Clear Answers Before You Act
Book an Initial Consultation and move forward with confidence.
Book Initial ConsultationStill Not Sure What The Right Next Step Is?
If you're feeling uncertain, that's normal. Estate administration often raises questions before you're ready to commit to anything. Reaching out doesn't lock you into a process. It simply gets you connected with someone who can help you orient yourself and decide what makes sense.
If you're not ready to book an Initial Consultation yet, contact us and we'll help you figure out the right next step.
780-571-8463Serving All Of Alberta