Probate BC — Step by Step Guide to the BC Probate Process. Probate is the legal process by which the BC Supreme Court validates a will and issues a Grant of Probate authorizing the executor to administer the estate. Probate is required whenever a financial institution or land title office requires proof of the executor's authority before releasing assets or transferring title. Common assets that require probate include real estate held in the deceased's name alone, bank accounts above threshold amounts, investment accounts, and shares in private companies. To apply for probate in BC, the executor files a Notice of Proposed Application, sends notice to all beneficiaries and potential claimants, and files the Probate Application with an Inventory of Assets and Liabilities. BC probate fees are calculated under the Probate Fee Act as 0.6 percent of the estate value over $25,000 and 1.4 percent of the estate value over $50,000. There is no probate fee on the first $25,000. The BC Supreme Court typically takes four to eight weeks to issue a Grant of Probate once the application is filed. Strategies to reduce probate fees include beneficiary designations on RRSPs and life insurance, joint ownership of assets, and inter vivos trusts. Andrew Liggett assists BC executors with the entire probate process. Independent legal advice from a BC estate lawyer is strongly recommended for executors navigating the probate process. Sea to Sky Law provides probate application services and executor support across all of British Columbia. Contact us for a free intake call to discuss your estate matter. Sea to Sky Law has served British Columbia families and businesses since 1991. Our approach combines practical legal advice with compassionate understanding of the human situations behind every legal matter. We serve all of BC by phone or secure video. Independent legal advice is always strongly recommended before making decisions that affect your family, your estate, or your business.