We Do It Differently
Administering an estate can feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing legal responsibilities with personal loss. Our probate services are designed to bring structure, clarity, and cost certainty to the process.
- We provide flat fees--see below for the answer to, "How much does Probate cost in Nova Scotia?"
- We simplify the process with checklists and timelines
- You retain control of how fast each phase moves along
Lisa Teryl
Co-Founder of Teryl Scott Lawyers Inc.
Book Now
Our Halifax Probate lawyers, who serve all of Nova Scotia, can see you within the week. Your first meeting can be by video, in person or by telephone.
Select your booking preference:
by phone (902-706-5030)
or through our on-line calendar
Our Services In Probate
Help from a Probate Lawyer
Every estate follows a similar path, but the complexity can vary. Our approach breaks probate into manageable phases, allowing you to:
- Pay only for the stage you need
- Stay in control of the process
- Get professional support without committing to full-service fees upfront
You can engage us for one phase—or stay with us from start to finish.
Legal Fees for our Probate Lawyers - How Much Does Probate Cost in Nova Scotia?
Initial Consultation
- Our estate planning services start with a 45 minute consultation which costs $430 plus HST (admin fee inclusive).
Grant of Probate
- Phase One - Application - $2500*
- Phase Two - Notice - $1000*
- Phase Three - Confirmation to the Court - $1500*
- Phase Four - Closing - $1000*
Grant of Administration
- Phase One - Application - $2500*
- Phase Two - Notice - $1000*
- Phase Three - Confirmation to the Court - $1500*
- Phase Four - Accounting - paralegal rate is $250 per hour plus 4% admin fee and HST and legal coaching rate with lawyer is $550 per hour plus 4% admin fee and HST
- Phase Five - Closing - $2000*
*Prices listed are plus $150 admin fee and HST, as well as disbursements
Probate is often unfamiliar territory. Our flat-fee model provides:
- Cost certainty during a stressful time
- Flexibility to proceed at your own pace
- Transparency with no unexpected billing
You stay in control, while still having access to legal guidance when you need it.
Our phased probate services are ideal if you:
- Have been named executor and want guidance
- Are stepping forward to be administrator or have been nominated as administrator and you need assistance
- Are comfortable handling some administrative steps yourself
- Want to manage legal costs without sacrificing support
No, not all estates need probate.
Probate is usually required when assets are held solely in the deceased’s name and need legal authority to transfer.
It’s often not required if:
- Assets are jointly owned (e.g., joint bank accounts or real estate)
- There are named beneficiaries (e.g., life insurance, RRSPs)
If there’s no Will, the estate is handled under the Intestate Succession Act.
- Someone, usually a spouse or close family member, applies to court to be appointed Administrator of the estate
- The court issues a Grant of Administration, instead of a Grant of Probate
- The estate is distributed according to a set legal formula, not personal wishes
Our Testimonials
Truly incredible working with them! Strongly recommended!
Wonderful service from a very caring lawyer!
Respectful, thorough and professional...answered all questions at length and provided a comfortable, 'safe' environment to do so!
