Wills & Estates

Two simple words which stand for arranging your affairs to ensure that whatever remains of your retirement savings after you die passes to your heirs according to your wishes without delay and unnecessary tax payments.

People tend to avoid contemplating their own mortality and, not surprisingly, often neglect to plan for the distribution of their financial assets and other property when they die.

It’s natural to avoid thinking about the need for estate planning and a Will, or to forget about the issue after your Will is first written. However, the only way to ensure that your wishes will be followed and your assets passed on in a timely, fair, and tax-effective manner is to have a well thought out estate plan that includes a valid, up-to-date Will.

Estate Planning Considerations

• Does your Will and Estate Plan effectively provide for an orderly disposition of your estate to all your intended beneficiaries?
• Can gifts made during your lifetime minimize probate fees?
• Have you confirmed your intentions regarding jointly-owned property such as real estate bank accounts, and investments so that clear ownership rights are established?
• Will establishing a trust for your spouse, children, or charity help you realize tax advantages and preserve assets such as a business, cottage or family home?
• Are your life insurance benefits payable directly to your beneficiaries or to your estate to pay off liabilities or to provide income?
• Do you have a plan to reduce or defer taxes that become payable at death?
• Do you have a complete record of your personal and financial affairs?
• Have you preplanned your funeral arrangements?
• Do you have a plan to meet the immediate financial needs?
• Do you have a Power of Attorney?

Please contact us for more information.

What is it?

Generally speaking, a power of attorney is a document whereby you appoint another person to act on your behalf. The person who is appointed is called the “attorney” which in this sense means something similar to an agent it has nothing to do with lawyers.

Types of Powers of Attorney

1. Personal Care
   $220.00 plus HST and minimal disbursements
2. Continuing Power for Property
   $220.00 plus HST and minimal disbursements
3. Special Power of Attorney for Property
   $240.00 plus HST and minimal disbursements
4. General Power of Attorney
   $240.00 plus HST and minimal disbursements

These documents are provided for information only and is not intended to be construed as advice.

Continuing Powers of Attorney


Optional Clause Choices for Power of Attorney for Personal Care Regarding Refusal or Consent to Specific Treatments

Please contact us for more information.

The loss of a loved one can be overwhelming and the thought of the administration of their estate can seem to be a daunting task. We can offer you the proper advice and guidance to assist you in your fiduciary duty as an executor (with a will) or an administrator (without a will) of an estate.

We can assist you with preliminary considerations, with the determination of assets, your duty in determining and notifying beneficiaries, applying for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with or without a Will, collecting and preserving the assets, payment of debts, income tax considerations, payment of legacies, maintaining the estate, delegation of responsibilities, any conflict of interest, compensation of estate trustees, and the final distribution of estate assets.

Please contact Tanya Holbrook, our Estates Clerk at 519-744-2281 ext 227 or by email at tholbrook@ptlaw.ca for further information.