When a loved one passes away, managing their estate can feel overwhelming—especially while coping with grief and legal responsibilities. Estate administration is the legal process of managing a deceased person’s assets, debts, and final wishes. Whether your loved one left a will or passed away intestate (without a will), proper estate administration is essential to ensure their legacy is handled legally, fairly, and efficiently.
At Gigera Law Services, our experienced estate administration lawyers in Calgary help personal representatives and executors navigate this complex process with clarity and confidence. We take the stress out of estate management while ensuring legal compliance with Alberta and Canadian estate laws.
Estate administration refers to the legal steps required to settle a deceased person’s estate—including their property, debts, taxes, and instructions outlined in a will. If there is no will, the process follows Alberta’s Wills and Succession Act and Estate Administration Act.
Identifying and gathering assets: Includes homes, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, and more.
Paying debts, taxes, and legal fees: All outstanding liabilities must be settled before distributing the estate.
Locating and notifying beneficiaries: Ensures all heirs or named individuals are informed and updated.
Distributing estate property: Assets are distributed as per the will, or based on provincial intestacy laws if no will exists.
Filing legal documentation with the Surrogate Court: Most estates require formal approval via probate or administration.
This process must be carried out by a legally authorized person—typically the personal representative or executor of the estate.
In Alberta, the terms executor and personal representative are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions based on legal context.
An executor is named in a valid will and is legally responsible for carrying out the terms of the will.
A personal representative is a broader legal term used under Alberta’s Estate Administration Act, covering both executors (if there’s a will) and administrators (if there’s no will).
Applying for a Grant of Probate or Administration
Managing estate assets and debts
Communicating with beneficiaries and legal authorities
Completing final distribution and reporting obligations
Whether you’re named in a will or are seeking to be appointed in the absence of one, Gigera Law Services ensures you understand and fulfill your responsibilities as a personal representative.
No, not every estate in Alberta requires formal estate administration or probate. Probate may not be necessary when:
However, if real estate is involved or if financial institutions require legal authority, probate or a grant of administration is often required. It’s essential to consult a lawyer to determine the correct path for your specific situation.
Our firm guides you through every step of the Alberta estate administration process:
After the estate is cleared of liabilities, the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries as per the will or intestacy law.
If someone dies without a will, they are considered to have died intestate. In this case:
Gigera Law Services helps families navigate intestate estate administration smoothly and ensures the lawful and fair distribution of assets.
Your initial consultation with Gigera Law Services provides you with:
Our goal is to empower you with knowledge while offering strong legal support.
Here’s how we support you through the full estate administration lifecycle:
Initial Consultation & Document Review
Estate Assessment and Legal Strategy
Drafting and Filing Court Applications
Assisting with CRA Tax Filings and Clearances
Communication with All Beneficiaries and Creditors
Final Accounting, Distribution, and Reporting
Legal Support Throughout the Entire Process
We’ve handled estates of all sizes—from simple family estates to complex, high-value matters.
Estate administration often comes at a time of grief. We provide empathetic, professional legal care.
Our reputation is built on integrity, responsiveness, and proven results.
You generally have 30 days from the date of the refusal or removal order to file your appeal. Deadlines vary, so act quickly.
You (or your lawyer) present your case, provide evidence, call witnesses, and respond to questions from the tribunal and opposing counsel.
No. Some decisions, like certain temporary visa refusals, must be challenged through Judicial Review, not the IAD.
You may lose the right to appeal. In some cases, alternative legal remedies such as H&C applications may still be available.
While you can self-represent, immigration law is complex and procedural. A lawyer increases your chances of success and ensures your rights are fully protected.
Negative outcomes without expert representation can trigger:
⚠️ Deportation with multi-year re-entry bans
⚠️ Permanent separation from family in Canada
⚠️ Loss of work/study permits and career derailment
⚠️ Future inadmissibility to Canada and allied countries (USA, UK, Australia)
⚠️ Criminal record equivalency for misrepresentation findings
Gigera Law Provides:
✅ 24/7 emergency filing to stop deportations
✅ GCMS forensic analysis to expose procedural errors
✅ Member-specific hearing strategies based on tribunal patterns
✅ 95% success rate for appeals and complex applications
✅ Cross-border solutions for U.S./Canada immigration issues
✅ Flat-fee transparency with flexible payment plans
Gigera Law Services proudly serves individuals, families, immigrants, entrepreneurs, and organizations in Canada, Nigeria, and the UK
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