I provide the following services regarding Wills and Estate Planning. Each of these services also has its own page where you can find more information.

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Will Preparation (> Additional Information)

A Will can be as simple or as complex as your needs and wishes dictate.

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A Will is a legally binding document that sets out your wishes on how, to whom and how much of, your assets, debts, loans, etc. (your estate) are distributed when you leave this world.   No, you can’t take it with you.   In order to be effective and legally binding on your executor and beneficiaries, the Will must be properly prepared and executed in accordance with the rules set out in legislation.

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Everyone should prepare a Will to reflect their own individual circumstances and goals.

If you do not have a Will or you do not have a properly prepared and valid Will, then your estate is distributed in accordance with legislation that states who gets what share of your estate and when they receive it.  Chances are this may not be what you wanted.

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In your Will you will name the executor, who will be the Trustee of your estate until it is distributed to your beneficiaries.  You may also name a Guardian for any minor children or any children that may be dependent adults. You can also set out how your choice of funeral arrangements, celebration life, how your remains are to be dealt with, cremation, choice of burial plots, if you have a pre-paid arrangement, etc. 

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A Will should be reviewed at least every five (5) years or so to see if it is still relevant or if there are some changes you would like to make. You should also review your Will if there are changes in your family composition, family status, etc.  If you get married, are contemplating marriage or are separated or divorcing, your Will should be reviewed and changed as soon as possible.

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Together with your accountant, tax advisor, we can also address any tax saving or capital gains issues that may arise on your death to try and lessen the burden of these costs on your estate so that the beneficiaries may receive a larger inheritance.

 

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney gives another person the authority to handle your property and finances – assets, debts, bank accounts, real estate, leases, investments, etc. Most people use Powers of Attorney if they are going to be out of the province or country for a period of time and need someone to look after their affairs, or to do something specific while they are away or temporarily incapable of doing something (i.e. bed-ridden), such as sign off on a real estate sale or purchase.  Powers of Attorney can also be used to name someone to take care of your affairs, such as government accounts, if wish to have a relative or friend take care of these for you.

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The Power of Attorney can be for a limited, specific purpose and it can also have a deadline or expiry time on it.  Or, the Power of Attorney can be broad and general and indefinite.  However, a standard Power of Attorney terminates when you lose the capacity to understand what is going on, or lose capacity to deal with your own affairs.

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Enduring Power of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney is different than a standard Power of Attorney because it continues to be in effect even after you lose capacity (physical, mental or both) to deal with your own affairs. For that reason, an Enduring Power of Attorney crucial to have in place with regard to Estate Planning.

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An Enduring Power of Attorney has to be executed while you still have capacity; after you lose capacity your family will require a court order to obtain the authority to handle your financial affairs.  The cost of being prepared ahead of time and signing an Enduring Power of Attorney is a very small fraction of the cost involved in getting a court Order for Trusteeship (Represented Adult Application) to name someone to handle your financial affairs.  The cost of preparing this in advance is a small fraction of the cost of a court application.

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Personal Directive (sometimes referred to as a Healthcare Directive, Green Sleeve, Goals of Care Designation, or Living Will)

A Personal Directive names an Agent who will have authority to make decisions regarding your healthcare, surgeries, medical procedures, where you may live, who may associate with you, a do not resuscitate, withdrawal of treatment directives; basically any decision regarding your health and well-being and is non-financial. A Personal Directive only takes effect after a medical practitioner certifies that you no longer have the capacity to make your own decisions.

Like an Enduring Power of Attorney, if you do not have a valid Personal Directive, then your family has to apply to the courts to get an order giving them the authority to make decisions on your behalf.  The cost of being prepared ahead of time and signing a Personal Directive is a small fraction of the cost involved in getting a court Order for Guardianship (Represented Adult Application).

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There are a number of ways to draft a Personal Directive; they can be broad or very specific, and there are things to consider with both approaches. You should discuss and chose what works best for you and your family.  I also recommend that you consult with a doctor to discuss your health and circumstances prior to executing a Personal Directive.

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I can assist you to properly prepare for what lies ahead in taking care of yourself, your loved ones and your estate as you desire it to be done.  Please contact us to discuss.