Estate planning documents are often prepared together because they address different circumstances that may arise during a person’s lifetime and following their death.

A will addresses the distribution of a person’s estate after death, while a power of attorney allows another person to manage financial matters if an individual becomes unable to do so. A personal directive allows an individual to appoint someone to make personal or health-related decisions if they lose the capacity to make those decisions themselves.

Preparing these documents together can help ensure that personal wishes are clearly documented and that trusted individuals are authorized to act when necessary.

Our Estate Planning Services

Our experience assisting clients with estate planning matters includes preparing and advising on:

• Wills and related estate planning documents
• Powers of attorney for financial and legal matters
• Personal directives for personal and health-related decisions
• Reviewing and updating existing estate planning documents
• Addressing legal considerations relating to estate planning arrangements

Assisting Individuals and Families

Estate planning often involves important personal and financial considerations. Individuals may wish to ensure that their wishes regarding their property, personal affairs, and medical decisions are clearly documented and that trusted individuals are appointed to act if circumstances require it.

We assist clients in addressing these issues and in preparing estate planning documents that reflect their objectives and personal circumstances.

Leaders in Law: We have been recognized as a Leader in Law for our proficiency in Commercial Law legal advice and services, and are recipients of awards for our expertise in Commercial Law.

Global Law Experts: We are recognized as a Global Law Expert's member for Commercial Law and Business Law, and are recipients of awards for our expertise in Real Estate Law and Commercial Law.

Awards and Recognition: We are honoured to have received awards and recognition for our Commercial Law, Real Estate Law, Wills and Estates, and Notary services some of which are set forth in our reviews page.

We strive to be open and straightforward about our fees with fee estimates and a variety of service and fees options, because we understand that in personal or business matters, cost can be a factor in the opportunities, challenges, milestones and transactions requiring our assistance Find out more about more fees information.

 

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When should I consider preparing or updating a will?

It is generally advisable to have a will in place to ensure that your assets are dealt with in accordance with your intentions. A will should be reviewed and updated where there are changes in personal or financial circumstances, to ensure that it continues to reflect your intentions and to reduce the risk of delays, complications, or issues in the administration of your estate.

Do I need a lawyer to prepare these documents?

Online and other alternatives are available and may be suitable in some cases; however, these documents operate in circumstances where the individual is no longer able to clarify their intentions. In the case of a will, the testator is not able to speak to their intentions after death, and for incapacity planning, financial and personal decision-making may need to be carried out by others. Many individuals choose to work with a lawyer to ensure that the documents reflect their understanding and intentions, having regard to their personal and financial circumstances, and to consider how assets, liabilities, and potential claims or competing interests may be addressed. Not all assets may be governed by a will, and for incapacity planning, arrangements may also involve structuring financial affairs to allow for access and supported decision-making, including coordination with joint ownership or spousal arrangements.

Should I also consider incapacity planning documents

Yes. In addition to a will, individuals often consider incapacity planning documents, such as an enduring power of attorney and a personal directive, to address decision-making in the event of incapacity and to reduce the risk of delays, complications, or issues in managing personal or financial affairs.

Should these documents be prepared together?

These documents are often prepared together as part of a broader planning process to address both incapacity and the distribution of assets, and to ensure that arrangements are consistent and reflect your intentions. There is often overlap in the information and considerations involved, and preparing these documents together can provide efficiencies, including through bundled pricing where appropriate.