Estate Planning

Estate planning is about planning for the future. Creating a plan means planning for circumstances where you are unable to care for yourself, and having a plan for when you are gone. It is both a financial and a legal plan, and by drawing your attention to the future ahead of time, you are planning for a comfortable life and a memorable legacy.

A well-thought-out estate plan will address the ownership of your financial assets, the tax implications that will be imposed on the future, the financial and legal needs of your beneficiaries, and the complexity of your own life. For many, this may include considerations for business succession, blended families, step-family, or charitable considerations.

Our Estate planning lawyers address a variety of matters. Important aspects include the following:

• Tax Planning
• Financial Management
• Dependents, such as minors or people with disabilities
• Planning for the blended family
• Succession planning for your business
• Multi-jurisdictional assets
• Common law relationships
• Medical care and treatment preferences

Our clients have a variety of business, personal and familial needs, yet they all have one desire in common – the hope of creating a secure and promising future for themselves and their families.

Please contact us or visit one of our offices in Toronto, Danforth, North York, Durham, or Chatham-Kent. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your estate planning needs.

• Will Drafting
• Establishing Trusts (including Family Trusts, Spousal Trusts, Henson/Disability Trusts, Insurance Trusts, Alter Ego Trusts, and Joint Spousal Trusts)
• Powers of attorney for personal care
• Powers of attorneys for property
• Guardianship Applications
• Business Succession Planning

Will Drafting

Will Drafting is a fundamental service where we assist clients in creating a will that clearly outlines their wishes for asset distribution and guardianship. Our firm ensures that every will is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, taking into account all aspects of their estate, and provides clear guidance for executors and trustees to avoid future disputes and ensure smooth estate administration.

Establishing Trusts

Our expertise in Establishing Trusts involves creating various types of trusts, such as Family Trusts, Spousal Trusts, Henson Trusts for individuals with disabilities, and others. We focus on aligning each trust with the client’s estate planning goals, ensuring that their assets are managed and protected effectively, while also considering tax implications and beneficiary needs.

Powers of Attorney for Personal Care

Creating a Power of Attorney for Personal Care is a critical service we offer, where we help clients appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Our attorneys ensure that the document reflects the client’s healthcare preferences and personal care wishes, providing clarity and legal authority for the appointed decision-maker.

Powers of Attorney for Property

We assist clients in drafting a Power of Attorney for Property, enabling them to designate someone to manage their financial affairs and property in case they are unable to do so. This document is crafted with precision to ensure that the client’s financial matters are handled as per their wishes and that the appointed attorney understands and fulfills their responsibilities effectively.

Guardianship Applications

Our firm provides guidance and assistance with Guardianship Applications, helping clients navigate the legal process of appointing a guardian for a minor or an adult who is incapable of managing their own affairs. We focus on ensuring that the guardian appointed is best suited to manage the individual’s personal and financial needs.

Business Succession Planning

In Business Succession Planning, we work with business owners to create a strategic plan for transferring ownership and management of their business. This planning is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition that aligns with their business goals and personal estate planning objectives, while also considering the implications for all parties involved.

 We understand every situation is unique.
Contact us directly for more detailed answers.

Estate planning is the process of organizing and arranging the distribution of an individual’s assets after their death. It often involves creating a will, setting up trusts, and establishing power of attorney, among other things. Proper estate planning ensures that your wishes are followed and can minimize potential taxes and fees.

Yes, a will is essential regardless of the size of your estate. It ensures that your possessions are distributed according to your wishes and provides clarity for your loved ones during a challenging time. Without a will, state laws will determine the distribution of your assets.

A will is a legal document that states how you wish your assets to be distributed upon your death. A trust, on the other hand, is a legal entity that holds assets for the benefit of certain individuals, usually with conditions attached. Trusts can be used to manage and protect assets both during one’s lifetime and after one’s death.

Yes, it’s advisable to review and update your estate plan periodically. Major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes, often necessitate revisions to ensure your assets are handled as desired.

If you pass away without a will, you are considered to have died “intestate.” In such cases, state laws will dictate the distribution of your assets. This may lead to outcomes that are not in line with your desires and can be more time-consuming and costly for your heirs.

Still have questions on your mind? We understand every situation is unique.
Contact us directly for more detailed answers.