Getting Help with Estate Debt After a Loss—Julie’s Story

When Julie’s brother, Alexander, passed away, he left behind $16,455.65 in outstanding debt.
While grieving her loss, Julie was suddenly faced with complex questions about estate debt, bankruptcy, and legal responsibility. She reached out for help, but early conversations with other professionals left her without clear answers—or the empathy she needed.
Julie then contacted Smythe Insolvency.
From her first conversation with Greg Best, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Julie felt supported. Greg explained her options clearly and calmly, drawing on deep experience in estate bankruptcy and debt resolution, while approaching the situation with compassion and care.
After reviewing the estate, it was determined that placing the estate into bankruptcy was the most appropriate solution. This process allows outstanding debts to be addressed properly, while protecting family members from personal liability.
To ensure everything was handled safely and correctly, Smythe Insolvency worked with one of its trusted professional partners, Benita, an experienced lawyer the firm regularly collaborates with on estate and insolvency matters. Benita assisted Julie in obtaining the required court order to assign Alexander’s estate into bankruptcy.
Julie later visited the Smythe Insolvency office in person, where she met with Nivedan Kaushal, who guided her through the next steps. He explained how the estate bankruptcy would resolve the debt and what to expect as the process moved forward. Trustee fees were paid from the estate itself, meaning Julie did not have to cover any trustee costs personally, allowing her to focus on closure without added financial stress.
With the support of Smythe Insolvency and its trusted professional resources, Julie was able to bring closure to her brother’s affairs. The estate bankruptcy resolved Alexander’s debt, met all legal obligations, and allowed Julie to move forward with peace of mind.
Julie’s story shows that bankruptcy and insolvency services are about more than debt. They are about clarity, compassion, and having experienced professionals work together to support families during difficult times.
At Smythe Insolvency, we help individuals and families navigate debt, consumer proposals, bankruptcy, and estate insolvency with expertise and care. If you need help managing your debt, you can book a confidential debt consultation with our team to review your situation and discuss your next steps with clarity and confidence.