Make a Will

No two families are the same, and no two wills should be either. At our law firm, we understand that every client has unique needs and concerns. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and your family before drafting your will. We want to make sure that all of your wishes are taken into account, and that your loved ones are provided for in the event of your passing. Drafting a will can be complex process, but with our help, it doesn’t have to be. We’ll streamline the process and make sure that all the necessary clauses and protections are included. Thousands of our satisfied clients have rave about how simple we make it. So if you’re looking for peace of mind, look no further than our law firm. We’ll take care of you and your family.

Power of Attorney - Personal Care

A Power of Attorney for Personal Care is often referred to as a “Living Will” although Ontario Law does use the term: Living Will. The term we use in Ontario is “Advanced Care Directive”. The Advanced Care Directive specifies exactly what kind of personal care you would or would not want if you had a particular medical condition and were unable to communicate your wishes. It might, for example, say that you would want everything possible done to prolong your life or it might say that you would only want comfort measures if there was no hope of recovery. If you have not made an Advanced Care Directive and then lose capacity, your substitute decision-maker will have to make those hard choices without knowing what you would have wanted.

Power of Attorney - Property

Most Property POAs come into effect when the Grantor has lost capacity. Capacity is determined by a doctor or Certified Capacity Assessor. Other types of POAs for Property come into effect as soon as you have signed – even if you still have capacity. Not only does our firm have to discuss with you when the POA should come into effect, we also need to ensure that the person you are appointing (your “Attorney”) is someone you trust implicitly to make financial decisions on your behalf. You must be comfortable that they will act in your best interests, and in accordance with any wishes or instructions that you have provided. If you do not yet have an Attorney, or are not sure who you would appoint, we can help you identify potential candidates. Appointing a Property Attorney is an important decision, but it does not have to be difficult. Our experienced team can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more.

Trusts for Minors

Secure your kids' inheritance with a solid plan! Without one, their future is at risk. The government could take their inheritance and leave them with nothing. Even worse, everything could go to them at age 18. But don't worry! Our experts can help you establish a Trust for your kids and distribute their inheritance in installments at the perfect ages. Plus, your Trustee can pay out funds for education or other approved reasons. Don't wait until it's too late! Speak to us now and empower your parenthood with a solid plan for your kids' futures.

Trusts for Disabled Beneficiaries / Henson Trust

Do you or someone you know live with a disability in Ontario? We have good news for you! There are programs available to offer support, including income and services. However, it's important to note that the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) has strict asset limits. If you exceed $40,000, you may lose your benefits. And if you pass away without planning for your disabled beneficiary, they will also likely lose their benefits.

But fear not - there's a way to ensure your loved one can receive an inheritance without jeopardizing their ODSP benefits.

Tax Considerations

When it comes to estate planning, one of the primary concerns is often minimizing taxes. While there are a number of strategies that can be employed to reduce the tax burden, it’s important to consider the costs associated with each strategy. For example, adding children as joint tenants on a property may help to reduce taxes, but if the resulting legal fees and other costs are greater than the taxes saved, it’s not a worthwhile strategy. Instead, it’s important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to identify strategies that will minimize taxes without incurring significant costs. By taking this approach, you can ensure that your estate plan is as effective and efficient as possible.