Clear advice, multiple strategies, and honest communication. Barry handled my case efficiently with fair, transparent billing throughout the process.
Toronto Probate & Estate Administration Lawyers, Serving Families Across the GTA
Practical, efficient guidance for executors, administrators, and families managing probate and estate administration in Toronto and throughout the GTA, including Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Oshawa. Led by a Law Society–Certified Specialist in Family Law, our team helps you settle an estate correctly, efficiently, and with less stress.
Let’s start with a free case review
Tell us about your situation, we’re here to help you
We handle every stage of probate and estate administration.
Probate Applications
preparing and filing for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, guiding clients through the court process start to finish.
Asset Collection & Transfer
identifying, locating, and transferring estate assets (bank accounts, investments, real property) to the estate or beneficiaries.
Estate Tax Filings & Clearance Certificates
coordinating final tax filings and clearance certificates so estates can be distributed and closed.
Executor & Administrator Support
guiding executors and administrators through their legal duties, from gathering assets to final distribution.
Sale & Transfer of Estate Real Estate
assisting with the sale or transfer of a deceased's home or property during administration.
Multiple Wills & Estate Structuring
advising on structures that can reduce estate administration tax where appropriate.
Estate Accounting & Passing of Accounts
preparing estate accounts and representing trustees when a formal court passing of accounts is required.
Estate Debts & Creditor Claims
advising on notifying creditors, settling valid debts, and protecting executors from personal liability.
Executor Compensation
helping executors understand and apply for fair compensation for their time and effort.
Barry Nussbaum – JD, MBA | Certified Specialist in Family Law
Barry Nussbaum is a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the Law Society of Ontario, a designation awarded to a limited number of lawyers with extensive experience and proficiency in the field. Called to the bar in both Ontario and New York, he has over 17 years of practice dedicated almost exclusively to family and divorce law.
Barry leads a growing legal team and handles complex matters including high-conflict parenting disputes, child relocation and Hague Convention cases, support and income determination, property division, domestic contracts, and Children’s Aid Society proceedings. He represents clients from initial consultation through trial, appearing regularly before both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice.
Known for clear, direct, and strategic advice, Barry takes a practical approach focused on narrowing issues and achieving cost-effective outcomes. His insight is regularly sought by media outlets for commentary on family law.
Meet the team
Jessica Cohen
Senior Counsel – Team Lead
Adam Jaffer
Associate Lawyer
Afras Khattak
Associate Lawyer
Alana Cameron
Associate Lawyer
Ari Rubin
Associate Lawyer
Caitlin O’Garr
Associate Lawyer
Clifton Leung
Associate Lawyer
Danielle Waechter
Associate Lawyer
Gurjit Nagra
Associate Lawyer
Jonathan Korman
Associate Lawyer
Jotty Gill
Associate Lawyer
Julia Passeri
Associate Lawyer
Kirsi Ralko
Associate Lawyer
Laaiba Nawal
Associate Lawyer
Mariam Khattak
Associate Lawyer
Michael Krznaric
Associate Lawyer
Mikaela Meglio
Associate Lawyer
Nan Zheng
Associate Lawyer
Nicholas Vaduva
Associate Lawyer
Nina Kapferer
Associate Lawyer
Rebecca Ye
Associate Lawyer
Sage Harvey
Associate Lawyer
Sarah Dingwell
Associate Lawyer
Shmuel Stern
Of Counsel
Sophia Schwartz
Associate Lawyer
Tanys Insley
Associate Lawyer
Vivian Chu
Associate Lawyer
Understanding Probate & Estate Administration
Probate and estate administration is the legal process of managing a deceased person’s estate — collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries under the will or, if there is no will, Ontario’s intestacy rules. This often requires a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee to deal with banks, land registries, and other institutions. Common needs include applying for that certificate, identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and filing final tax returns, preparing estate accounts, and resolving practical questions even when the estate itself isn’t in dispute. Having a lawyer who handles this work regularly helps ensure the estate is settled correctly and efficiently.
What real clients say about us
Trusted by families in Toronto and across the GTA and Ontario for reliable, results-focused legal help
C.J.
Barry explained every step with clarity, patience, and professionalism. Court preparation was thorough, and his commitment showed throughout.
J.L.
Barry handled my family matter with care, professionalism, and clear communication. I would confidently recommend their services.
B.S.
Barry approaches every case with focus, clarity, and a practical mindset. Working with him made a difficult situation manageable.
A.G.
Barry and his team turned a complicated situation into a respectful resolution. Their approach was steady, thoughtful, and highly professional.
B.Z.
Professional, attentive, and thorough—Barry and his team delivered strong representation when it mattered most. I’m grateful for their support.
R.G.
Nussbaum Law handled my family matter with care, professionalism, and clear communication. I would confidently recommend their services.
B.S.
Barry consistently provides timely, reliable legal support. I’ve used his services and referred others with full confidence every single time.
Z.Z.
Why Families and Fiduciaries Trust Nussbaum Law for Estate Administration
- Focused on probate applications, estate administration, and executor guidance
- Certified as a specialist in family law by the Law Society of Ontario
- Experienced in representing executors, administrators, and beneficiaries
- Practical advice tailored to settling estates efficiently and correctly
Get clarity on your estate matter in a free 30-minute case review
- We guide you through every step
- Free initial case review
- Probate & estate administration experts
- Transparent, affordable fees
Tell us what you're facing –we're here to help
Start your case today. It’s free, simple, and we’ll reach out within one business day to walk you through next steps.
– Barry Nussbaum, JD, MBA, Senior Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common concerns about eligibility, duration, and legal obligations
Do I need to go through probate in Ontario?
Not always. Probate is typically required when the estate includes real property solely in the deceased’s name, or when institutions request it before releasing funds. Smaller estates without real property may sometimes proceed without it.
Who can apply to be an estate trustee?
Usually the executor named in the will. If there’s no will or no willing executor, the court can appoint one, typically a spouse, adult child, or other close relative.
How long does estate administration take in Ontario?
Most estates take several months to a year or more, depending on asset complexity and how quickly debts, taxes, and distributions can be finalized.
What is estate administration tax and how much will I owe?
Ontario charges estate administration tax based on the value of the estate at death. We help estimate this and identify legitimate ways to reduce it where appropriate.
What are my responsibilities as an executor?
Locating and securing assets, paying debts and taxes, keeping accurate records, and distributing the estate correctly. Executors can be held personally liable for serious errors.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Ontario?
The estate is distributed under Ontario’s intestacy rules, and an estate trustee must still be appointed to administer it.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. We offer a free initial case review so you can understand your position before committing to legal representation.
Let’s start with a free case review
Tell us about your situation, we’re here to help you
