How Much Does Probate Cost in British Columbia?
Last updated 2026-06 · British Columbia
Probate in British Columbia is the court's confirmation that your will is valid and your executor can act. B.C. charges a tiered probate fee based on the estate's value, and while it's lower than Ontario's, it still adds up on a typical home-owning estate.
The B.C. fee math
- $0 on estates of $25,000 or less.
- $6 per $1,000 on the value between $25,000 and $50,000.
- $14 per $1,000 (1.4%) on everything above $50,000.
- Plus a small filing fee (around $200) once the estate exceeds $25,000.
Worked examples:
| Estate value | Approx. probate fee |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | ~$3,150 |
| $500,000 | ~$6,650 |
| $1,000,000 | ~$13,650 |
| $2,000,000 | ~$27,650 |
What's counted — and what isn't
Only assets passing through the estate are charged. Assets that bypass the will aren't included: registered accounts (RRSP, RRIF, TFSA) and life insurance with named beneficiaries, and joint-tenancy property that passes by survivorship. B.C. real estate is included if it's in the deceased's name alone; out-of-province real estate is generally excluded.
Legal ways to reduce B.C. probate fees
- Name beneficiaries on registered plans and insurance.
- Hold property in joint tenancy where it genuinely fits (mind the loss-of-control and family-law risks).
- Use an alter ego or joint partner trust — available in B.C. to those 65+ — to move assets out of the probate estate.
- For business owners, multiple wills can help, though B.C. practice differs from Ontario's.
How long does it take?
A straightforward B.C. probate commonly runs a couple of months from application to grant; the mandatory 21-day notice period to beneficiaries before filing adds time, and disputes add more.
Frequently asked questions
How are probate fees calculated in British Columbia? Nothing under $25,000, $6 per $1,000 up to $50,000, then $14 per $1,000 above that, plus a ~$200 filing fee. How long does probate take in British Columbia? Often a couple of months for a simple estate, after the required 21-day notice to beneficiaries. How do I avoid probate fees in British Columbia? Named beneficiaries, joint tenancy where appropriate, and (for those 65+) alter ego or joint partner trusts. Do all estates have to go through probate in British Columbia? No — small estates or those passing entirely by designation or survivorship may not need it.
Not legal advice. General information about British Columbia law as of 2026. Confirm fee figures with current B.C. rules or an estate professional.
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