Understanding Wills & Power of Attorney
Having a valid will is essential – We can’t stress this enough! The reality is that without one, your assets may not pass to your desired beneficiaries, and you will not have as much control over who acts on your behalf after you pass.
Additionally, your power of attorney appoints who you choose to manage your financial and personal health decisions if you lose capacity. Without these in place, the government might decide who will decide for you.
We assist our clients by conducting a comprehensive analysis of your circumstances to prepare an estate plan that provides you with the comfort of knowing your affairs are in place while also reducing potential tax burdens.
What Are The Main Areas a Will Covers?
How Often Should My Will Be Updated?
What’s the difference between a will, an executor, and a power of attorney?
Clients often confuse these three terms and want to understand what each represents. In the most straightforward terms, a will describes how to handle your estate after you die.
An executor is a person you appoint to manage the details of your will after you die.
A power of attorney acts on your behalf while you are still alive but cannot make decisions on your own.
What are the responsibilities of a power of attorney?
A Power of Attorney takes responsibility for a variety of your personal affairs. Commonly this takes the form of financial management – such as handling property, paying expenses, selling assets etc. This position also allows them to make critical decisions about your living conditions, including medical support, housing, food, and clothing.
Their role is essential in a situation that prevents you from making your own decisions.
Are you looking for advice on how best to structure a will/power of attorney situation for yourself or a loved one? Leslie has experience assessing unique family situations and offering the best road to a solution.
Reach out today for a consultation and to learn more.
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Family & Estate
Legal Services
We know that every situation is unique and requires a combination of services. We work with a diverse base of clients and pride ourselves on developing custom solutions to clients’ individual needs.
Wills & Power of Attorney
We assist our clients to prepare an estate plan that provides you with the comfort of knowing your affairs are in place while also reducing tax burdens.
Real Estate Law
We can assist with residential, condominium, new construction, commercial, and rural transactions across Ontario.
Family Law
Services
We assist clients with resolving their family law matters in a cost-efficient manner that does not proceed to litigation.
Probate & Estate Administration
We assist with preparing the appropriate application to the court for a certificate of appointment of an estate trustee.
Notarizing & Commissioning
We are both notaries public and commissioners of oaths. We provide notarial services to clients who need documents notarized.