Ontario Probate Lawyers

Our knowledgeable and responsive lawyers only practice estate law and are ready to help with your probate case. Our law firm never charges for initial consultations. We value results and speak to our clients plainly about their rights and interests.

We file most probate applications within 30 days of retention and can represent anyone with an Ontario probate matter, no matter where a client is located. We have staffed offices in Toronto and Windsor, but our probate process can be entirely virtual.

This website contains digestible information on probate, including what it is, why someone might need it, and how to get it. Read about intestate (no will) probate here.

To visit our main website for estate litigation, estate administration, and professional estate trustee services, click here.

Getting Started With Probate

Do you Need a Probate or Estate Lawyer?

Essentially, probate means obtaining a court certificate that allows one or more executors to prove they are in charge of an estate. An executor will usually need probate to access a deceased person's bank accounts and to sell real property like a house or a cottage.

In most cases, an executor will require probate to administer an estate, which can be a time consuming and difficult process. Most probate applications are filed with the assistance of lawyers, for good reason. Working with an experienced probate lawyer will expedite the application process, reduce the likelihood of the court rejecting the application, and help prevent errors in the probate application that could cause an executor significant problems later. An estate can deteriorate while an executor waits for probate, so time is of the essence.

An executor never has to use the lawyer who wrote a Will or who is in possession of a Will for probate. A fresh set of eyes on a Will can sometimes be valuable, in particular when a term may be vague or ambiguous or when a difficult administration is expected. Since the probate lawyer will work closely with the executor, it is important for executors to choose a lawyer they are comfortable with.

When administering an estate without a will, a probate lawyer can provide additional guidance with respect to the probate process, including an individuals’ eligibility to be an executor.

Katzman Estate Law provides initial consultations for Ontario probate matters without charge. Call 416-616-4242 or 519-256-7130 to see if we are a good fit for you without any commitment on your part.

Katzman Estate Law gladly pays referral fees to lawyers and paralegals who connect us with quality clients. Clients never pay for these referral fees and are never charged more as a result a referral fee agreement. We strictly comply with Ontario Law Society referral fee requirements found here.

Why You Need a Good Lawyer for Probate

An executor has a serious legal responsibility to secure estate assets, pay debts, and then distribute the remaining estate funds (residue). Executors can also face personal liability if they make a mistake. A probate lawyer can provide clear advice and help executors avoid costly errors while fulfilling their duties effectively. An executor’s reasonable legal fees are typically paid directly from estate funds.

A Practice Dedicated to Estates in Ontario

Experienced Probate Lawyers at Katzman Estate Law

At Katzman Estate Law, we have extensive experience with Wills, estates, and probate (Applications for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustees). As we often handle complex estates and difficult estate dispute matters, we know how to avoid estate administration pitfalls. While past results are not necessarily indicative of future results, the cases that we have handled below showcase our experience as estate practitioners. Each case has been posted with the express permission of our clients:

1. 2026 ONSC 3174: counter-offer, offer to resolve a claim, revocation of offer
2. 2026 ONSC 2214: executor conduct and violence, executor removal
3. 2026 ONSC 1552: access to legal files, attempted validation of a Will
4. 2026 ONSC 58: no threshold absent a Will challenge
5. 2025 ONSC 6060: passings of accounts, attorney for property compensation, trial
6. 2025 ONSC 4633: conditional right to occupy property, executor removal
7. CV-25-00034935-0000: required financial disclosure for dependent claimant
8. CV-24-00721383-00ES: occupation rent, adjournment refused, costs of executors
9. 2024 ONSC 378: further ruling to 2023 ONSC 4526 below, costs, passing of accounts, repayment to estate
10. 2023 ONSC 2367: executor removal, vacant possession of a farm, fiduciary duties
11. 2023 ONSC 6794: dependent support, child support, orders vs agreements surviving death
12. 2023 ONSC 4526: compelled passing of accounts, trustee compensation, breach of executor's duties
13. 2022 ONSC 3064: executor removal, authority to mortgage estate property, Will interpretation
14. 2022 ONSC 5484: Will challenge, application to action conversion, credibility assessment

Where to Start

Simple probate when someone dies with a valid Will

We help executors smoothly navigate the probate process when the deceased left a clear, valid Will. A knowledgeable probate lawyer ensures everything is handled properly from the start.

Intestacy

Probate when someone dies without a Will (intestate)

A deceased dying without a Will has the potential to add legal complexity to a case. Our probate lawyers help guide executors through Ontario’s intestacy rules, helping them get appointed as an executor and gain access to estate assets. Intestate probates are not necessarily more difficult than probates with a Will. We are familiar with the applicable rules for intestate probates and Wills can sometimes be defective or vague.

Avoid Litigation

Probate with the expectation of a dispute

If there is a risk of conflict, having a probate and estate lawyer involved from the beginning is crucial. We help anticipate and manage disputes to avoid costly litigation. See our litigation website here.

Multiple Wills

Probate when a deceased person made a Primary Will and a Secondary Will

Multiple Wills are common in Ontario for separating business and personal assets. We are experienced in navigating the technicalities involved and ensuring both Wills are administered correctly, especially with respect to not overpaying Estate Administration Tax.

Successor Transitions

Probate for succeeding executors

When an executor resigns, dies, or is removed, we can assist with the appointment of a replacement. We have experience with picking up where a former executor left off and the problems that often arise during the transition process. For example, when a new estate trustee takes over, they must ensure that all real property is insured immediately.

Work With Us

The Katzman Estate Law Process – A Conversation First

Call 416-616-4242 or 519-256-7130 for a conversation with a Katzman Estate Law lawyer. We provide free initial phone consultations and can assist anyone with an Ontario probate matter. We keep our clients informed with respect to where they are in the probate process, what the next step is, and what their obligations are. Before committing to a retainer, we want potential clients to call, test our knowledge, and feel comfortable with us. We want our clients to see first-hand what makes us different.

Ready to Connect?

Call now for a free consultation.

416-616-4242 519-256-7130