Probate fees · Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia probate fees (2026)
Probate (Courts of Probate) fee in Nova Scotia: Tiered flat fees to $100,000, then $16.95 per $1,000 above $100,000. The priciest schedule in Canada for large estates. On a $500,000 estate, the fee is about $7,782.65. Here is the full schedule, worked examples at common estate sizes, and how Nova Scotia stacks up against every other province and territory.
The Nova Scotia probate (courts of probate) fee schedule
| Estate value | Fee charged |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000 | $85.60 |
| $10,001 – $25,000 | $215.20 |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | $358.15 |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $1,002.65 |
| Over $100,000 | $1,002.65 + $16.95 per $1,000 over $100,000 |
What it costs at common estate sizes
| Estate value | Nova Scotia probate fee |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | $3,545.15 |
| $500,000 | $7,782.65 |
| $1,000,000 | $16,257.65 |
| $2,000,000 | $33,207.65 |
The marginal rate is $16.95 per $1,000 (some secondary tables wrongly cite $16.93). Value is taken on the gross estate.
Nova Scotia vs every province (probate fee on $500k and $1M)
| Province / territory | On $500,000 | On $1,000,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | $0 | $0 |
| Yukon | $140 | $140 |
| Quebec | $243 | $243 |
| Nunavut | $425 | $425 |
| Northwest Territories | $435 | $435 |
| Alberta | $525 | $525 |
| Prince Edward Island | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| New Brunswick | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $3,054 | $6,054 |
| Saskatchewan | $3,700 | $7,200 |
| British Columbia | $6,650 | $13,650 |
| Ontario | $6,750 | $14,250 |
| Nova Scotia (this page) | $7,782.65 | $16,257.65 |
Cheapest first. Every schedule verified at its governing statute, regulation, or court fee table. BC and Saskatchewan figures include the flat filing fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much are probate fees in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia’s probate (courts of probate) fee is tiered flat fees to $100,000, then $16.95 per $1,000 above $100,000. The priciest schedule in Canada for large estates. On a $500,000 estate that works out to $7,782.65, and on a $1,000,000 estate $16,257.65. Try other amounts in the probate fee calculator.
Is there a cap on Nova Scotia probate fees?
No — Nova Scotia’s fee has no maximum. It keeps rising with the value of the estate, which is why larger estates here can owe thousands.
How do Nova Scotia probate fees compare to other provinces?
Ranked by the fee on a $500,000 estate, Nova Scotia is #13 of 13 jurisdictions (cheapest first) — one of the highest probate costs in Canada. The lowest is Manitoba ($0) and the highest is Nova Scotia ($7,782.65). The full table is above this FAQ.
How can I reduce probate fees in Nova Scotia?
Assets that pass outside the estate escape the fee: registered accounts and insurance with a named beneficiary (RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, life insurance), and assets held in joint ownership with right of survivorship. Gifting during life and certain trusts also help. Each carries trade-offs — see our estate-planning guide before acting.
Estimate the fee on your estate
Enter any value and province in the calculator, or read how probate fits the bigger estate-planning picture.
Educational information, not legal or tax advice. Nova Scotia’s schedule was verified June 13, 2026 at NS Courts — Probate Court Costs & Fees table (PDF). Probate rules — including what counts as estate property and whether value is measured gross or net of debts — vary by province and change over time. Confirm the figure with the estate’s lawyer or the provincial court before relying on it.