Legal Services

Estate Administration

Compassionate, practical guidance for executors, beneficiaries, and families.

Guidance when it matters most. Our estate administration services help executors, beneficiaries, and families settle an estate with clarity, efficiency, and care.

At Doss Law, we know the legal steps after a loss can feel overwhelming. We guide you through probate, filings, asset collection, and distributions—communicating with beneficiaries and resolving issues as they arise.

Overview

Estate administration is the legal and practical process of settling a person’s affairs after they pass. Even straightforward estates involve time-sensitive steps—probate applications, notifying institutions, collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, preparing accounts, and distributing to beneficiaries. Without proper guidance, executors can face delays, personal liability for mistakes, and disputes over communications, valuations, or timing. Contested issues—like challenges to a will, questions about capacity, or disagreements among family members—can quickly escalate without a clear plan and accurate records.

At Doss Law, we turn a complex process into a clear roadmap. We help executors, beneficiaries, and families understand their obligations, prepare court materials correctly, coordinate with financial institutions and accountants, and keep beneficiaries informed at every stage. Our approach is practical and compassionate: we focus on efficient filings, meticulous accounting, and proactive problem-solving, with experienced advocacy available if disputes arise. With our guidance, you can administer the estate confidently, protect the interests of all involved, and move toward a timely, orderly conclusion.

How We Help

We support you through every stage of the estate process—so nothing falls through the cracks and you always know what comes next.

Common situations include:

  • Probate applications and court filings (Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee)
  • Interpreting the will and advising the estate trustee (executor)
  • Locating assets and obtaining information from banks and institutions
  • Notifying beneficiaries and communicating updates
  • Managing timelines, releases, and distributions
  • Addressing debts, claims, and creditor issues
  • Guidance on tax filings and final returns in coordination with accountants
  • Resolving disagreements among executors or beneficiaries
  • Preparing releases, accounting, and closing the estate

Protecting Your Legacy

Estate Planning Services

Contact us today to discuss your particular Estate Administration requirements—we’re here to provide the guidance you need.

After a loss, will your family know what to do?

Estate administration can feel overwhelming—paperwork, deadlines, and tough decisions all at once. We turn it into clear next steps, accurate filings, and steady communication so the estate moves forward without unnecessary delays or disputes.

Our Estate Administration process:

  • Triage & Plan – Review will (or no-will), assets, debts, timelines, and next steps
  • Probate & Filings – Prepare the Certificate of Appointment and required affidavits
  • Notices & Communication – Notify institutions and beneficiaries; set expectations
  • Asset & Debt Handling – Collect assets, protect value, pay valid debts and taxes
  • Accounting & Approvals – Prepare executor accounts and obtain releases (or pass accounts)
  • Distribution & Close – Make distributions and wrap up the estate efficiently

Real scenarios we handle:

  • Intestacy (No Will) – Appointing an estate trustee and following statutory distribution
  • Executor/Beneficiary Disputes – Directions, removal, or settlement of conflicts
  • Contested Estates – Will challenges, capacity/undue influence, dependant support claims
  • Property & Business Assets – Sales/transfers, private company shares, buy–sell obligations
  • Cross-Border Issues – Out-of-province/foreign assets or beneficiaries; resealing/ancillary probate
  • Insolvent/Complex Estates – Prioritizing creditors, negotiating claims, managing shortfalls

Common Questions, Clear Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s the court process that confirms the authority of the estate trustee (executor) to deal with the estate. Not every estate requires it, but many do, especially where financial institutions or land transfers are involved.

Timelines vary with complexity, court processing times, and whether there are disputes. We’ll give you a realistic plan and keep you updated at every stage.

There are practical steps to try first. If the will truly can’t be located, there are legal options. We’ll advise you on the best path based on the circumstances.

We focus on early resolution and clear communication. If a dispute escalates, our litigation team is ready to act.

Even straightforward estates involve specific filings, timelines, and duties. Using a lawyer helps avoid mistakes and delays and reduces personal risk for the executor.

No. Assets held jointly with right of survivorship and those with named beneficiaries (like life insurance, RRSPs/RRIFs, TFSAs) typically pass outside the estate. Some small accounts may also be released without probate depending on the institution. Real estate and many bank/investment accounts usually require probate. We’ll review your asset list and confirm what needs court approval.

Settle the estate with confidence

Speak with our estate administration team to get a clear plan, handle probate and filings, and move the estate forward without delays.