How Much Does Probate Cost in Prince Edward Island?
Last updated 2026-06 · Prince Edward Island
Probate is the court process that confirms your will and your executor's authority. In Prince Edward Island the application is filed with the Estates Division of the Supreme Court, and the fee is modest tiered fees — about $50 to $400 on the first $100,000 of estate value, then roughly $4 per additional $1,000 (about 0.4%).
How the fee is calculated
The fee is based on the gross value of the estate that passes through the will — not the net value after debts, and not assets that pass outside the will (more on those below).
What's exempt from probate fees
Assets that pass outside the estate don't count toward the probate fee:
- Registered accounts (RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs) with a named beneficiary.
- Life insurance with a named beneficiary.
- Jointly owned property with right of survivorship.
- Pension and group benefit plans with designations.
This is why estate planners think hard about ownership and designations: they can dramatically lower the probate-fee base.
What probate also costs (beyond the court fee)
- Legal fees for preparing the application — often $1,500 to $5,000 for a routine estate.
- Accounting fees for terminal tax returns.
- Executor compensation, if claimed (commonly around 3–5% of the estate).
- Bonding in some intestate or non-resident-executor cases.
How long probate takes in Prince Edward Island
Routine grants typically issue in a few weeks to a few months, depending on court workload and whether the application is complete on filing. Contested estates can take far longer.
Frequently asked questions
How much is probate in Prince Edward Island? Modest tiered fees — about $50 to $400 on the first $100,000 of estate value, then roughly $4 per additional $1,000 (about 0.4%). Are probate fees based on net or gross estate value? Generally the gross value of assets passing under the will. What assets avoid probate in Prince Edward Island? Assets with named beneficiaries (RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance) and jointly owned property pass outside the estate. How long does probate take in Prince Edward Island? A few weeks to several months for a clean application.
Not legal advice. General information about Prince Edward Island law as of 2026. Confirm specifics with a Prince Edward Island estate lawyer.
More from Prince Edward Island
- What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Prince Edward Island?
A valid PEI will must be signed at the end and witnessed by two non-beneficiaries — or be a fully handwritten holograph will. Checklist and common mistakes.
- Making a Will in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
How to make a valid will in Charlottetown: Prince Edward Island's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.
- Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Prince Edward Island?
You don't need a lawyer to make a valid will in Prince Edward Island, but you do need to follow the Probate Act. Here's when DIY works and when to hire a pro.
- Are Handwritten (Holograph) Wills Valid in Prince Edward Island?
Yes — a fully handwritten and signed will is a valid holograph will in Prince Edward Island, with no witnesses required. Here's how to do it right and why it's risky.