Frequently Asked Questions
About EstateConnect.ca
EstateConnect.ca is a free service that connects people in Ontario with licensed estate lawyers. Whether you need help with probate, estate administration, will disputes, or any other estate matter after a loss, we'll match you with a legal professional who specializes in exactly what you're dealing with.
You fill out a short form with a few details about your situation. We review it and match you with a trusted lawyer in our network based on your needs and location. That lawyer will then reach out to you directly — usually within one business day — to offer support and guidance.
Finding the right lawyer can be overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with a difficult time. Estate law has many specialized areas — probate, administration, disputes, taxes — and you need someone who handles your specific situation regularly. We save you the stress of searching by connecting you directly with someone experienced in exactly what you're facing.
No — we're NOT a law firm, and we don't offer legal advice ourselves. But we connect you with someone who can: a licensed Ontario lawyer who specializes in estate matters.
You can get help with whatever you need — whether that's just filing a probate application, getting advice on executor duties, resolving a will dispute, handling estate administration, or dealing with estate taxes. There's no requirement to use multiple services. We'll match you with a lawyer who specializes in your specific need.
There's no catch. Our service is free for you to use. We receive a flat referral fee from the lawyer — not a commission — which means we have no incentive to match you with a more expensive lawyer. Our priority is simply finding you someone who's the right fit.
What Estate Issues Can We Help With?
We help with all post-death estate matters:
- Probate applications — getting court permission to manage an estate
- Estate administration — managing assets, paying debts, distributing to beneficiaries
- Will disputes — family conflicts, challenging wills, beneficiary disagreements
- Executor guidance — understanding your duties and responsibilities
- Estate taxes — final tax returns, clearances, tax planning
- Complex situations — business assets, multiple properties, international assets
That's totally normal and very common. Many people aren't sure what their situation is called or what steps they need to take. When you fill out our form, just describe what's happening in your own words. We'll figure out what type of legal help you need and match you with the right specialist.
You can get help with whatever you need — whether that's just filing a single document, or full estate management. There's no requirement to use multiple services. We'll match you with a lawyer who can handle your specific needs, big or small.
Will disputes and family conflicts are unfortunately common and can be very stressful. Whether you're challenging a will, defending against a challenge, or dealing with beneficiary disagreements, we can connect you with lawyers who specialize in estate litigation and family mediation.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
It depends on your situation. You'll likely benefit from legal help if there's:
- Real estate or significant assets
- Family disagreements or potential disputes
- Complex assets (businesses, investments, multiple properties)
- Debts or creditor claims
- Tax complications
- You're unsure about your duties as executor
- The will is unclear or missing
Even for simple estates, many people find legal guidance gives them peace of mind that everything is done correctly.
Absolutely normal. Being an executor is a big responsibility, especially while you're grieving. Many executors feel overwhelmed by the legal requirements, paperwork, and family dynamics. Getting legal guidance can help you understand your duties, avoid costly mistakes, and handle complex tasks properly.
Even 'simple' estates can have hidden complexities. A lawyer can help you identify potential issues early, ensure you're meeting all legal requirements, and handle things efficiently. Many executors are surprised by requirements they didn't know about, so getting at least a consultation is often worthwhile.
Cost & Process
Legal fees vary depending on what you need and the complexity of your situation. Some lawyers offer fixed fees for specific services (like probate applications), while others charge hourly. During your initial consultation, the lawyer will explain their fee structure and give you an estimate based on your specific needs.
After you submit your form, we'll review the details and match you with a lawyer who's well-suited to your situation. You can usually expect to hear from them within one business day. They'll typically offer a consultation to discuss your situation and explain how they can help.
We do our best to match you with someone who fits your needs, but if for any reason it doesn't feel right, just let us know. We're happy to connect you with someone else in our trusted network. Finding the right fit is important for both you and the lawyer.
Timelines vary greatly depending on what needs to be done. Simple probate applications might take 4-8 weeks, while complex estate administration can take 6-18 months or more. Your lawyer will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation and what needs to be accomplished.