Add a New File
To create a new file, select Add New Estate. For every new estate you create, you’ll be asked for the following:
Note: You will also find separate steps for adding a Quebec file below.
1. Select Estate File Type
Choose the type of Estate case you wish to create. The available options are: Estate Administration (probate + accounting), Probate or Estate Accounting (accounting only). Refer to Estate File Types for additional information
2. Select Region
This step will let our platform know which information to generate for your new account. For example, if you are adding a new account in Ontario, our platform will generate province-specific tasks, forms, etc.
3. Upload Death Certificate
Once you've uploaded the death certificate, you will be able to find it located in the Documents section of the platform. You can always skip this step for the time being and upload the death certificate directly in the Documents section at a later time.
4. Deceased's Information
This step allows you to review and edit the details pre-filled for you or add in details manually. The deceased's information requested will be as follows:
- First Name (required)
- Last Name (required)
- Address
- Date of Birth
- Date of Death (required)
It's important to review the information and ensure it is correct before moving ahead to the next step.
5. Social Insurance Number
The deceased's SIN will be required in a number of forms throughout the process, including communications with the Canada Revenue Agency. By providing these details during the new file set up process, the SIN will be integrated into forms and templates, requiring one-time entry only.
6. Upload a Copy of the Will
If there is a will, select 'yes' option and upload a copy of the will. When there is no will, the estate is considered intestate, and the assets must be distributed according to the law in the subject province.
Once uploaded, you will be able to find it located in the Documents section of the platform.
7. Marital Status
Next, you'll be asked about the deceased's marital status. This is a key consideration in the administration process as it dictates whether the estate must divide some assets (or their value) with the surviving spouse.
If the deceased was married, common law or in a civil union, you can provide the spouse's details, such as first and last name and the date of marriage (optional), here or at a later stage.
Note that in Quebec, common-law partners do not have the same rights as married or civil union couples. In these cases, the surviving partner would have to be named in the will to inherit anything.
8. Checklist
Select the checklist based on the retainer with the executor. We propose templates for both probate only and complete estate administration, but we can upload your own checklist if needed.
9. Confirm Case Details
Review and ensure everything has been entered correctly before proceeding to the next steps.
Add a New File (QC)
1. Select Province
Our platform will generate specific tasks, forms, etc. based on the province.
2. Upload Death Certificate
Once uploaded, you will be able to find it located in the Documents section of the platform.
3. Review Deceased's Information
This step allows you to review and edit the details pre-filled for you or add in details manually. The deceased's information requested will be as follows:
- First Name (required)
- Last Name (required)
- Address
- Date of Birth
- Date of Death (required)
It's important to review the information and ensure it is correct before moving ahead to the next step.
4. Will Search Certificates (QC)
In Quebec, you are legally required to search for the deceased’s will in two registries:
A. Chambre des notaires du Québec
B. Barreau du Québec
You cannot proceed with the liquidation process until you have completed the will search in both registries.
The will search certificates you receive from these registries will indicate whether they have a will on file, and its date. Otherwise, the certificates will indicate that there is no will. In either case, you must complete the will searches and provide the two certificates. These will be required at different stages of the liquidation process. Next, using the the information from the will search certificates, the liquidator can ensure he is contacting the right notary or lawyer to obtain the last will.
The will search certificates include the deceased's Social Insurance Number, which our system will be able to automatically read; before moving on to the next step, confirm that the number is correct.
5. Social Insurance Number
The deceased's SIN will be required in a number of forms throughout the process, including communications with the Canada Revenue Agency. By providing these details during the new file set up process, the SIN will be integrated into forms and templates, requiring one-time entry only.
6. Upload a Copy of the Will
If there is a will, select 'yes' option and upload a copy of the will. When there is no will, the estate is considered intestate, and the assets must be distributed according to the law in Quebec.
Once uploaded, you will be able to find it located in the Documents section of the platform.
7. Marital Status
Next, you'll be asked about the deceased's marital status. This is a key consideration in the administration process as it dictates whether the estate must divide some assets (or their value) with the surviving spouse.
If the deceased was married, common law or in a civil union, you can provide the spouse's details, such as first and last name and the date of marriage (optional), here or at a later stage.
Note that in Quebec, common-law partners do not have the same rights as married or civil union couples. In these cases, the surviving partner would have to be named in the will to inherit anything.
8. Select Your Role
A. Corporate Liquidator: Your company is explicitly named in the will as liquidator
B. Agent for the Liquidator: the liquidator named in the will has hired your firm to aid in the liquidation process. If you select this option, you can add the liquidator's information in the next step, or come back to this later.
9. Confirm Case Details
Review and ensure everything has been entered correctly before proceeding to the next steps.
Duplicate an existing case file
If you have an estate with two wills, or perhaps two related estates with shared details, you have the option to duplicate an existing estate case.
Duplicating a case will copy over the following:
- Information about the deceased;
- Intake form;
- Previously created contacts;
- Previously uploaded documents.
To do this, simply select the three-dot menu next to the desired file, and choose "Duplicate" in the drop-down list.
Please note that you will be charged for the new file that you create.
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