When a loved one passes, it’s natural for families to want probate finished as quickly as possible. Executors feel the weight of responsibility, and beneficiaries are eager for closure. But probate in Alberta doesn’t move at the speed of urgency.
And given that 62% of estates in Alberta fall between $50,000 and $1,000,000, the stakes are far too high for it to be treated as a simple formality.
Find out how long the probate process can take in Alberta, and why having a probate lawyer by your side can help you avoid costly delays, while ensuring the process is handled with care.
Note that the timeframes provided below are purely estimates. Your probate may take significantly longer (or shorter) depending on the circumstances, the court’s workload, and myriad other factors.
Timeframe for Probate in Alberta, in a Nutshell (2025)
| Stage of Probate | Estimated Timeframe |
| Preparing the application | Several weeks to 2 months |
| Court review (paper filing) | 2–4 months (or longer) |
| Court review (SDS filing) | 2–4 weeks (straightforward cases) |
Laying the Groundwork for Probate
Probate begins with preparation.
The executor (or personal representative, as Alberta law calls them) must gather the will, locate important documents, identify beneficiaries, and collect details about the deceased’s assets and debts.
Applications must follow the Surrogate Rules of Court, which prescribe the exact forms and notices required. This part can be time-consuming, especially if records are incomplete or if information about beneficiaries is missing.
Alberta’s new Surrogate Digital Service (SDS) has been a game-changer in this regard. Applicants can complete and file probate applications online, automatically checking documents for errors, and more.
However, there’s a catch: SDS is only open for lawyers. Simply, if you are looking for the fastest way to complete probate, working with a probate lawyer is highly advisable.
How Long Probate Can Take in Alberta
Once an application is filed, the court reviews it before granting probate.
Under the old paper system, this review could take two to four months; longer if errors were found.
With SDS, the court can often issue a grant in two to four weeks for straightforward estates.
Here is what the general process looks like:
- Prepare the application – Executors (or your lawyers) collect documents, complete the prescribed forms, and arrange for required notices to beneficiaries.
- File with the court – Lawyers using SDS can submit electronically. Alternatively, a paper package is delivered to the Surrogate Court.
- Court review – The court examines the application to ensure compliance with the Surrogate Rules. If anything is missing or incorrect, the application may be returned for revisions.
- Grant of probate issued – Once satisfied, the court grants probate, giving the executor authority to deal with the estate.
Note that factors such as disputes among beneficiaries or incomplete information can extend the timeline.
Probate Granted? Now You Need to Execute it
Receiving a grant of probate does not mean the estate is immediately settled. The executor must carry out the will’s instructions, which can be an extensive process:
- Notifying banks, investment firms, and insurers
- Transferring property titles through the Alberta Land Titles Office
- Paying funeral expenses, debts, and taxes
- Keeping beneficiaries informed with regular updates
- Preparing a full accounting of all estate transactions
This administrative stage can last from one month to a year, depending on the complexity of the estate.
All in all, straightforward estates may wrap up within six months. However, those involving real estate sales, private corporations, or contested claims often extend much longer.
| ❗Beware! Being hasty in addressing beneficiary concerns and disputes to speed up probate can prove costly in the long term. The Surrogate Rules allow beneficiaries to request the court’s review of an executor’s accounts – prolonging successful completion of the estate. |
Don’t Forget About the Canada Revenue Agency
Probate is not finished until taxes are addressed. Only after all taxes are assessed and paid can the estate be safely distributed.
The key document here is the Clearance Certificate issued by the Canada Revenue Agency. It confirms that no taxes remain owing.
An executor who distributes assets too early could be held personally responsible for unpaid taxes.
Unfortunately, the clearance process is not quick. At the time of writing, the CRA estimates ‘within 120 calendar days of receiving your request and any required supporting documents.’
And that’s assuming the Agency doesn’t have any questions or requests for follow-up documents.
If You Want to Clear Probate Quickly, Hire a Probate Lawyer
It’s really simple – probate is a complex process with much paperwork and many moving parts. Even just one wrong form, one missing/unhappy beneficiary, one failure to notify creditors can add months of extra time to the process. For families already coping with loss, this added stress can be overwhelming.
Approaching a probate lawyer is highly advisable for that reason. Other than the legal formalities, they will be able to provide experienced guidance on handling familial sensitivities, approaching difficult conversations, tax liability, and more.
At Juriscorp Law, you will find a compassionate, seasoned team of probate lawyers. We are a local, multi-lingual team that has the finger on the pulse of Alberta’s probate process.
Book a no-obligation, free consultation with a seasoned lawyer today to discuss your matter.