How to avoid Probate

Probate is the legal process that transfers the legal title of property from the estate of the deceased to their beneficiaries.   During the probate process the executor of your will goes before the courts and indentifies and catalogs all the property you owned, appraises the property, and pays all debts and taxes, proves that the will is valid and legal, and distributes the property according to the instructions of the will.  Probate can be a long, drawn-out legal process, and there are some probate-avoidance plans in place.  Simply speak to your attorney to find out what you can do to avoid probate in your area. 

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Bank Accounts | Death Certificates | Executors | Wills

How to avoid Probate

Do we need a Death Certificate?
How do I write a Will?

A Funeral Directors Statement Of Death is necessary before anything can be done.  A certified certificate can be obtained through a Funeral Director. 

It is a good idea to obtain multiple copies of the Funeral Directors Statement Of Death as most agencies require a certified copy and not a photocopy.


Everyone knows they should have a will, but the vast majority – about 70% of us – do not. 

Writing a will is easy and inexpensive, and once you are done you can rest easy knowing your hard earned money and property will be distributed according to your wishes.

Read more about writing your Will

How to avoid Probate

Did you know...

What are my options with the cremated remains?

While laws vary by province, for the most part cremated remains can be placed in a columbarium, buried in a cemetery lot specifically designed for an urn, buried in an existing cemetery plot previously used for a casket (between 4-9 per plot) or scattered in a cremation garden at a cemetery, kept at home or scattered in lakes or parks.

Have more questions about Cremation, click here.