Probate & Estate Administration
Estate administration covers a wide range of activities including:
- Meeting with the executor(s)
- Obtaining a comprehensive list of the assets of the deceased
- Contacting all beneficiaries
- Preparing the necessary court application
- Post-probate matters:
- Gathering in assets (collecting money on deposit in bank accounts, liquidating investments, disposing of real estate, etc.)
- Arranging with accountants to prepare and file the necessary income tax returns
- Providing on-going advice to the executor(s)
With guidance from a Munro & Crawford lawyer, the administration process is straightforward, and complications are avoided.
Probate
Probate means to prove. It is a legal process by which a will is proved valid or invalid; and is always required if the estate contains real estate, bank accounts or other financial instruments with a value of $25,000 or more. Munro & Crawford supports the executor through all aspects of the probate process, and as importantly, the post-probate process. Post-probate matters can be complex and include such things as: collecting money on deposit in bank accounts, converting investments into cash, selling real estate and arranging for the preparation and filing of income tax returns.
Estate and Trust Administration
The wishes of each deceased person as expressed in their will and the needs of each family are unique. Munro & Crawford provides personalized support to each executor on a diverse range of estate related matters. This support extends beyond traditional advice and assistance to help with planning for beneficiaries or wards with disabilities and special needs, guardianship for minors and adults, disposal of unique assets such as jewellery, coins and gold, and support for charities. Acting as a single point of contact, Munro & Crawford will compile a comprehensive list of assets of the deceased, locate and contact all beneficiaries, prepare the necessary court application, ensure preparation of the necessary income tax returns and coordinate real estate and financial transactions as required. Counsel is also provided in situations when there is no will or the executor is unable or unwilling to act, and for foreign wills when the deceased was living outside of Canada but had assets in Canada.