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Alberta Probate Forms: Complete Guide to GA1, GA2, and More

Complete guide to Alberta probate forms including GA1, GA2, GA3. Learn which forms you need and how to complete them correctly.

Last updated: January 15, 2024
Related forms: GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4

Alberta Probate Forms: Complete Guide to GA1, GA2, and More

Navigating Alberta probate forms can be complex. This comprehensive guide covers all required forms and how to complete them correctly.

Required Forms for Alberta Probate

Primary Forms (Always Required)

Form GA1 - Application for Grant of Probate

Purpose: Main application form requesting court to grant probate Who completes: Executor named in the will Key sections:

  • Deceased person's information
  • Executor details
  • Estate asset summary
  • Will information

Common mistakes:

  • Incorrect estate valuations
  • Missing signature requirements
  • Incomplete beneficiary information

Form GA2 - Affidavit of Applicant for Grant

Purpose: Sworn statement confirming information accuracy Requirements:

  • Must be sworn before a commissioner
  • Confirms executor's fitness to serve
  • States belief that will is valid

Additional Forms (Situation-Dependent)

Form GA3 - Notice to Beneficiaries and Next of Kin

When required: All probate applications Purpose: Proves proper notice given to interested parties Timeline: 30 days before application

Form GA4 - Affidavit of Condition of Will

When required: Will has alterations, damages, or attachments Purpose: Explains will's physical condition Details required:

  • Description of any changes
  • Explanation of damage
  • Confirmation of will's authenticity

Form GA5 - Renunciation of Right to Apply for Grant

When required: Named executor cannot or will not serve Purpose: Official renunciation allowing alternate executor Process: Must be signed and witnessed

Form GA6 - Consent of Alternate Applicant

When required: Someone other than first-named executor applies Purpose: Confirms authority to apply Requirements: Notarized consent

Step-by-Step Form Completion

Step 1: Gather Required Information

  • Deceased's details: Full name, date of death, address
  • Asset inventory: Complete list with values
  • Debt summary: All liabilities owed
  • Beneficiary information: Names and addresses
  • Will details: Date, witnesses, amendments

Step 2: Complete Forms in Order

  1. Start with GA1 (main application)
  2. Complete GA2 (affidavit)
  3. Add supporting forms as needed
  4. Double-check all information

Step 3: Get Proper Attestation

  • Forms requiring oaths must be sworn before:
    • Lawyer
    • Notary public
    • Commissioner for oaths

Step 4: Calculate Court Fees

Use our fee calculator based on estate value.

Form-Specific Tips

GA1 Application Tips

Asset Valuation:

  • Use fair market value at date of death
  • Get professional appraisals for valuable items
  • Include all assets, even if minimal value

Beneficiary Section:

  • List all beneficiaries, even if receiving small amounts
  • Include addresses for notice requirements
  • Note any predeceased beneficiaries

GA2 Affidavit Tips

Fitness Statement:

  • Confirm no conflicts of interest
  • State willingness to serve
  • Acknowledge fiduciary duties

Will Validity:

  • Confirm belief that will is genuine
  • Note any concerns about capacity or undue influence
  • State knowledge of any later wills

Common Form Errors

Top 10 Mistakes

  1. Incorrect estate valuation
  2. Missing beneficiary information
  3. Improper notarization
  4. Incomplete asset descriptions
  5. Wrong court fees
  6. Missing required attachments
  7. Outdated forms
  8. Incorrect executor information
  9. Missing witness details
  10. Unsigned pages

Required Attachments

Standard Attachments

  • Original will (court keeps original)
  • Death certificate (certified copy)
  • Asset valuations (appraisals if required)
  • Notice affidavits (proof of beneficiary notice)

Additional Attachments (If Applicable)

  • Previous will (if mentioned in current will)
  • Marriage/divorce certificates
  • Business valuation reports
  • Foreign asset documentation

Filing Process

Court Submission

  1. Complete all forms
  2. Gather attachments
  3. Calculate fees
  4. File at appropriate Court of Queen's Bench registry
  5. Wait for processing (6-12 weeks typical)

Court Registries in Alberta

  • Calgary Courts Centre
  • Edmonton Law Courts
  • Regional courts throughout Alberta

Processing Timeline

Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks

  • Simple estates: 6-8 weeks
  • Complex estates: 8-16 weeks
  • Contested applications: Several months

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