A recent file in this office — with a will — received the Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee in about four months. The path is Estate Trustee with a Will: the court confirms the will and the executor so institutions will deal with assets in the deceased’s name.
When this path applies
The deceased left a valid will naming an executor. The usual stall points are not “is there a will?” but:
- where the original is, and whether there is a codicil;
- whether a witness can swear an affidavit of execution; a holograph will needs proof of handwriting;
- whether the executor is in Ontario, willing to act, and needs a bond;
- whether assets are in the deceased’s name alone — if they are, institutions almost always want the certificate.
Who may apply
The executor named in the will. If that person will not or cannot act, an alternate named in the will may apply, or another person may seek administration with the will annexed where the Estates Act allows it. If the executor is in China, see heirs in China and the administration bond.
Steps
Original, codicils, witnesses; list Ontario assets that need a certificate; estimate estate administration tax.
Serve the required notice on those entitled to share, and keep proof of service.
Application, draft certificate, original will, affidavit of execution, asset values. If the executor is a non-resident, include the bond or a request to dispense with it.
The Superior Court of Justice for the deceased’s last residence. You cannot file at a faster courthouse by choice.
An Estate Information Return is due 180 days after the certificate is issued.
Documents
- proof of death;
- the original will and any codicils;
- affidavit of execution (or other proof the court will accept if the witnesses cannot be found);
- the executor’s identification; if they are in China, passport and address materials;
- a list and values of Ontario assets;
- the beneficiary list;
- the bond, or consents and an affidavit asking the court to dispense with or reduce it.
Estate administration tax is calculated on estate value — see the tax page. Legal fees depend on whether the executor is abroad and whether China-side documents are needed. Call 647-930-6688.
Why dual-licensed counsel matters on these files
- This is a court application, not a form-filling exercise. The certificate is issued by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Missing materials, the wrong applicant, or an unresolved bond will draw a requisition or a judge’s review.
- Heirs in China are the usual fact pattern, not a side issue. Miao He deals with non-resident applicants, bond relief, and the China-side kinship or inheritance documents that often need notarization and an Apostille.
- Where the rules allow it, dispense with the bond on consent — do not start with a motion. Rule 74.11(5) lets the request go in with the application when every person entitled to share consents and none is a minor or incapable.
- Fees follow the procedure. Estate administration tax is calculated on estate value. Legal fees depend on the path, whether the file is cross-border, and whether bond relief is required. Call 647-930-6688 with the facts.
Frequently asked questions
Q: If there is a will, can the executor just go to the bank?
A: Usually not. The will names the executor; it does not replace the court certificate. Banks, the land registry and investment firms typically require a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a Will before they will deal with assets in the deceased’s name. Call 647-930-6688.
Q: The named executor lives in China. Can they still apply?
A: They can apply, but an executor who does not reside in Ontario or elsewhere in the Commonwealth usually must give security under Estates Act s. 6 unless the court dispenses with it. An Ontario resident can apply after a renunciation or consents. See the heirs-in-China page. 647-930-6688.
Q: How long did your recent with-a-will file take?
A: A recent application with a will received the certificate in about four months. Timing depends on the courthouse for the deceased’s last residence and whether the materials went in complete. That is one file’s result, not a promise. Call 647-930-6688.
Other probate guides
Without a will: who applies, who inherits
Intestacy follows the Succession Law Reform Act. Priority, consents, and the administration bond are where files stall.
Heirs in China / not Ontario residents
The sole beneficiary lives in China. Who may apply, the administration bond, and the China-side proof documents.
Administration bond: when it is required, how to dispense
On consent, the court can dispense with or reduce the bond without a separate motion.
Estate administration tax: first $50,000 exempt
The Ontario formula, with worked examples. This is tax to the province, not legal fees.
Call with the facts of the estate
Mandarin & English · Markham · Fees depend on the procedure · Phone or Zoom
Book now 647-930-6688