Estate Lawyers
Jane Smith
Estate Lawyer · Smith Law Group
Why Sean Chose This Partner
"In 8 years of working with estate lawyers across the Fraser Valley, Jane is one of three I trust with my most complex executor families. She understands the 210-day clock, the CRA clearance trap, and the WESA Section 60 window — and more importantly, she explains them in plain English. When I refer a family to Jane, I know they will feel heard, understood, and protected."
Sean Omoh
Forensic Real Estate Specialist
About Jane Smith
Jane Smith is a BC estate lawyer with 15 years of experience in probate administration, WESA variation applications, and executor liability protection. She has guided over 500 families through the probate process across Surrey, Langley, and Coquitlam. Jane is known for explaining complex legal deadlines — like the 210-day accounting clock and the WESA Section 60 window — in plain English that executor families can understand and act on. She graduated from UBC Law and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association Estate Planning Section.
Client Success Stories
Jane guided us through probate after Dad passed. She explained everything in plain English and caught a CRA deadline we would have missed. Without her, we could have owed $180,000 in personal liability.
Michael R. · Surrey, BC
We were overwhelmed as executors. Jane mapped out every step, every deadline, and every form. She made the impossible feel manageable.
Sarah T. · Langley, BC
Jane saved our family from a $47,000 mistake by catching the TX19 clearance requirement before we distributed the estate. Worth every penny.
David K. · Coquitlam, BC
Partner Insights
Expert FAQ with Jane Smith
How much does probate cost in BC?
BC probate fees are calculated at 0.6% on the first $25,000 of estate value and 1.4% on the remaining balance. For a $2 million estate, this equals approximately $27,450 in mandatory court filing fees paid when the Grant of Probate application is submitted to the BC Supreme Court. Legal fees for the estate lawyer typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity. For detailed calculations, visit the BC Courts probate fee schedule at gov.bc.ca.
How long does the probate process take in BC?
The standard BC probate process takes 6 to 12 months from application to final distribution. The initial Grant of Probate typically takes 6 to 8 weeks after filing. However, the CRA Clearance Certificate (TX19) can take an additional 6 to 12 months. Executors should not distribute estate assets until receiving the TX19, as they become personally liable for any outstanding tax obligations if they distribute prematurely.
Do I need an estate lawyer for probate in BC?
While BC law does not require an estate lawyer for probate, the complexity of executor duties — including the 21-day notice period, CRA clearance requirements, WESA Section 60 variation risk, and personal liability exposure — makes professional legal guidance strongly recommended. An experienced estate lawyer can identify traps like the intermeddling risk, the 210-day accounting deadline, and vacancy insurance requirements that most executors discover too late.
What is a CRA Clearance Certificate and why does it matter?
A CRA Clearance Certificate (TX19) confirms that all tax obligations of the deceased have been satisfied. Without it, executors who distribute estate assets become personally liable for any outstanding taxes the CRA later assesses. This liability can reach $180,000 or more on larger estates. The TX19 application is filed after all terminal and estate tax returns are completed, and processing typically takes 6 to 12 months.
Can someone challenge a will in BC?
Yes. Under WESA Section 60, BC courts have the power to vary (change) a will if it does not make adequate provision for a spouse or child of the deceased. The window to file a variation claim is 180 days from the date the Grant of Probate is issued. This means executors must be aware that distribution within the first 180 days carries significant legal risk if a variation claim is filed.
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