Canada doesn't have a formal death tax — but that doesn't mean death is simple or inexpensive. When someone passes away, taxes can be triggered immediately through deemed disposition, and on top of that, probate fees may apply depending on the province. Many Canadians confuse these two costs, and that confusion can lead to serious planning gaps.

On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down what probate actually is, how probate fees vary across Canada, what assets flow through probate, and what strategies can reduce delays and unnecessary costs. More importantly, they explain why probate isn't just about fees — it's about timing, privacy, executor stress, and making life easier for your family when they're already dealing with loss.

Show notes:

00:00 - Introduction: Why probate matters

00:23 - Canada doesn't have a formal death tax

02:41 - Deemed disposition explained

04:04 - What probate actually is

04:45 - What assets trigger probate

05:30 - What bypasses probate

06:12 - Why life insurance is different

06:31 - The real impact of probate delays

09:43 - Probate fees by province

13:06 - Simple probate reduction strategies

16:05 - Joint ownership risks

18:22 - Advanced planning strategies

21:27 - Real-world example

24:47 - Probate planning checklist

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