In addition to income taxes at death, here are other fees that can very quickly deplete the assets in your estate...

PROBATE FEES

Probate fees are charged by the courts in each province, with the exception of Quebec, to grant letters of probate that confirm that the deceased's will is valid and that the executor has the authority to administer the estate.  Generally, probate fees are payable on the value of all property of the deceased that passes to the executor or administrator of the estate through the deceased's will.

Value of the estate from $0 to $10,000                                     No Fee
for the portion from $10,001 to $25,000                                    $200.00 flat fee
for the portion from $25,001 to $50,000                                    $6.00 per $1,000
for the portion over $50,001                                                     $14.00 per $1,000

LEGAL FEES

Legal fees range from 1% to 2% depending upon the size of the estate. Keep in mind, the more work, the higher the fee.

EXECUTOR FEES

The executor, the person who carries out the instructions given in your will, is entitled to be paid. A professional executor is paid about 5% of the value of the estate under administration. Additional fees can be charged against the income of the estate if the estate must be held in trust for any length of time.

FUNERAL EXPENSES

Today, funeral costs range between $7,500 and $20,000.

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Fees Payable At Death