Wills & Estates
Protect Your Future and Your Family With a Proper Estate Plan
Planning for the future does not have to be complicated or stressful.
At Douglas Law Firm, we help individuals and families put their Wills and Powers of Attorney in place with a straightforward, personalized process. We take the time to understand your family, your assets and your wishes, then explain your options and prepare documents that reflect your circumstances.
Whether you are preparing your first Will, updating an existing Will, getting married, having children, purchasing property, or simply want the peace of mind of having a plan in place, we are here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your estate planning needs.
Life Changes. Your Estate Plan Should Reflect It.
Perhaps you have been meaning to create your first Will. Or perhaps you signed one years ago, before your family, relationships, finances or circumstances looked the way they do today.
Starting a Family
Marriage, children and other changes to your family can create important new considerations for your estate plan.
Changes in Your Life
Separation, divorce, new relationships and other major life events may mean it is time to review your existing documents.
Changes in Your Assets
Purchasing property, growing your investments or experiencing other financial changes can also make a review worthwhile.
Make the Decisions That Matter to You.
A Will allows you to provide clear instructions about how your estate should be managed and distributed. It gives you the opportunity to make important decisions rather than leaving those decisions to be determined under Ontario law.
Every person’s circumstances are different. Your estate plan should reflect your family, your assets and the people and causes that matter to you.
Without a Will, Ontario Law May Make Those Decisions for You.
When someone dies without a valid Will, their estate is generally distributed according to Ontario’s intestacy rules. Those rules determine who may inherit and how the estate is dealt with.
That may not reflect what you would have chosen for your family, your beneficiaries or your particular circumstances.
A Will gives you the opportunity to make those important decisions yourself.
Who Should I Choose as My Estate Trustee?
Your Estate Trustee, sometimes called your Executor, is responsible for administering your estate after your death.
Their responsibilities can include:
You should choose someone you trust and who you believe is capable of handling these responsibilities.
It is also important to name an alternate Estate Trustee in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act.
Who Will Receive My Estate?
Your beneficiaries are the people or organizations you choose to receive your estate after debts, expenses and other obligations have been dealt with.
You can decide how your estate should be divided.
If you have minor beneficiaries, we can discuss whether an inheritance should be held in trust and at what age or under what circumstances they should receive it.
If you have a child or other beneficiary with special circumstances, including a disability or government benefits, tell us about this during your consultation. It may affect how your estate plan should be structured.
Do You Have Minor Children?
If you have minor children, your estate plan should address more than simply who receives your assets.
You may wish to consider:
We will discuss these considerations with you as part of the Will-planning process.
Choosing the People Who Will Carry Out Your Wishes.
Estate planning is not only about what happens to your assets. It is also about choosing the people you trust to help carry out your wishes.
Your Estate Trustee
Your Estate Trustee is responsible for administering your estate. Choosing someone you trust and who is capable of handling these responsibilities is an important part of your Will.
Your Beneficiaries
Your Will allows you to identify who you would like to benefit from your estate and provide instructions for how your estate should be distributed.
Your Children’s Guardian
If you have minor children, your estate plan can include your wishes regarding who you would want to care for them should the need arise.
Planning Isn’t Only About What Happens After You’re Gone.
A complete estate plan can also include Powers of Attorney. These documents allow you to choose someone you trust to make certain decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them yourself.
Power of Attorney for Property
This document can address decisions relating to your financial affairs and property if you become unable to manage them yourself.
Power of Attorney for Personal Care
This document can address personal care decisions, including matters relating to your health care, nutrition, shelter, clothing, hygiene and safety.
Your Will Should Grow and Change With You.
Creating a Will is not necessarily a one-time task. As your life changes, it can be important to review whether your documents still reflect your wishes and circumstances.
What to Expect
Your First Appointment
During your initial consultation, you will meet with a lawyer to discuss your circumstances, your wishes and any questions you may have. This appointment can take place virtually or over the phone.
We will gather the information needed to prepare your Will and discuss the decisions that are important to your estate plan.
Your Second Appointment
Your second appointment takes place in person at one of our offices. We will review your Will with you, answer any remaining questions and make any necessary amendments.
Once everything is finalized, you will sign your Will and take your completed documents home with you.
Our Offices
We have three convenient locations in Barrie, Bradford and
Vaughan. Your second appointment will take place at the
office selected when your appointment is scheduled.
A Clear Plan for What Matters Most.
Whether you are creating your first Will, updating an existing Will or putting Powers of Attorney in place, we can help you understand your options and make decisions with confidence.
Book a ConsultationWill & Power of Attorney Questionnaire
To help us prepare for your consultation, we have a Will and Power of Attorney Questionnaire available.
You do not need to have every answer before your appointment.
If you are able to provide information about your family, assets, beneficiaries, Estate Trustee and Powers of Attorney ahead of time, it can help us better understand your circumstances and make your consultation more productive.
