Wills
Our firm has been servicing Durham Region in the area of Wills and Estates for over 40 years. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of the complex laws surrounding these areas and apply that expertise to help our clients carry out their wishes.
Creating a Will is an important step in estate planning. A Will is a legal document which states how you want your personal assets to be distributed after you pass away. It sets out the individuals or organizations that you want to benefit from your Estate and appoints an Estate Trustee (Executor) to manage the transfer of your assets.
We will work with you to create a Will that reflects your wishes and sets up your Estate to be managed however you desire. We will help you to include any special instructions or conditions you may have, such as if you have minor children, disabled beneficiaries, a blended family, corporate interests or a complex financial position.
Estates
When an individual passes on in Ontario there are several important legal and financial steps which need to be taken. Here is a short list of the ways we can help you to carry out your duties as the Estate Trustee (Executor) of an estate:
- selling property, paying of debts, transferring assets to beneficiaries, and handling any outstanding taxes and legal matters
- assisting in preparing and filing all required documents for your Application for Certificate of Appointment (Probate) to certify that the Will of the deceased is valid and to formally appoint the Estate Trustee (Executor)
Power of Attorney – Financial and Health
A Power of Attorney is a legal document which allow an individual (the ‘Attorney’) to act on behalf of another person (the ‘Grantor’) in certain legal or financial matters. In Ontario, there are two types of Power of Attorney – Continuing Power of Attorney for Property and Power of Attorney for Personal Care.
A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property gives the named Attorney broad powers to manage the Grantor’s financial affairs. This can include tasks such as paying bills, managing investments and making decisions about property and other personal matters. A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property continues even if the Grantor becomes incapacitated.
A Power of Attorney for Personal Care gives the named Attorney authority to make personal care decisions on behalf of the Grantor in the event that the Grantor becomes incapacitated, including medical treatment, housing, nutrition and other pertinent health care matters.