Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Filing a GA1 in Alberta (and How to Avoid Them)
The GA1 — formally known as the NC1 is the application for Grant — it is the foundational document in most probate and administration applications in Alberta. Whether you're applying for a Grant of Probate, Grant of Administration, or another surrogate court grant, the GA1 sets the tone for the rest of your file.
As someone who spent years reviewing thousands of these applications as a Senior Judicial Clerk in the Surrogate Section of the Alberta Court of King's Bench, I’ve seen the same errors delay — or even derail — applications time and time again.
Here are the top 5 mistakes people make when filing a GA1 and how to avoid them.
⚠️ Mistake #1: Inconsistent or Misspelled Names
✅ Why It Matters:
If the deceased’s name, applicant’s name, or any beneficiary’s name appears differently between the will, death certificate, and GA1, your application could be rejected or delayed.
❌ Common Issues:
Middle names missing in one document but not another
Nicknames used instead of legal names
Spelling errors across documents
✅ How to Fix It:
Always use full legal names as they appear on the death certificate or other government pieces of ID.
If names differ, explain it in a the GA1.
⚠️ Mistake #2: Incorrect Style of Cause
✅ Why It Matters:
The Style of Cause is the official heading on court documents. Errors in it will get flagged by the clerks or Justices.
❌ Common Issues:
Using the standard Civil Court style of cause instead of the Surrogate Court style of cause
Failing to include aliases (“also known as...”) when the deceased was known by another name
✅ How to Fix It:
Follow the Surrogate Court’s Style of Cause guidelines to the letter.
If unsure, reference a recent approved application or consult a knowledgeable estate consultant.
⚠️ Mistake #3: Listing the Wrong Type of Grant
✅ Why It Matters:
Choosing the incorrect grant type (e.g., Probate vs. Administration) leads to processing issues or rejections.
❌ Common Issues:
Applying for a Grant of Probate when no valid will exists
Choosing “Administration with Will Annexed” without proper justification
✅ How to Fix It:
Read the will carefully and determine if it’s valid under Alberta law.
If the named executor is unable to act, you may need a different grant (e.g., Administration with Will Annexed).
If there’s no will, the correct grant is a Grant of Administration.
⚠️ Mistake #4: Skipping Required Attachments
✅ Why It Matters:
Missing other GA forms may delay your application. The GA1 is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
❌ Common Issues:
Forgetting to include renunciations or nominations
Missing the Will or Codicils
No Affidavit of Witness when required
✅ How to Fix It:
Double check the Grant Checklist on the Court of King’s Bench website.
Always include:
Death Certificate (certified)
Original Will and Codicils (if any)
GA8/GA9
Renunciations/Nominations (if applicable)
⚠️ Mistake #5: Not Properly Signing or Commissioning the GA1
✅ Why It Matters:
Unsworn or improperly sworn applications are not accepted. This is one of the most common — and avoidable — reasons for rejection.
❌ Common Issues:
Signing the GA1 without a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary present
Sending an unsigned draft version
Forgetting to date or initial corrections
✅ How to Fix It:
Have the GA1 commissioned properly by a lawyer, notary, or Commissioner for Oaths.
If there are multiple applicants, each must sign in front of a commissioner.
✅ Final Thoughts
Filing a GA1 seems simple on the surface, but the details matter — especially in Alberta, where the Surrogate Court process is document-driven and strictly reviewed. A single oversight can lead to costly delays, frustration, or even a full rejection.
I help families and law firms across Alberta file flawless applications, avoiding the common pitfalls. If you need assistance preparing your GA1, reviewing your forms, or navigating a tricky estate situation, I’m here to help.
📞 Need help?
Contact me today for cost-effective, experienced support from someone who helped create the very forms you're filling out.
