Wills & Estates Lawyer

Wills and Estates Lawyer

One may think that their life is going as planned and would also agree that making a will is life’s important decision to be taken as early as possible. However, it is surprising how few people actually end up making a will. At SHAIKH LAW, Our Wills & Estates Lawyer would help you make a Last Will & Testament reflecting your wishes, in light of your circumstances. Our Wills lawyer cost is transparent with No Hidden Charges! Call Us to book 15 minutes Wills and Estates Lawyer Free Consultation over the phone.

As a parent, you may want to consider who will look after your children if you are not around, especially if you have children under the age of 18. As your children grow older you would want to have a system in place to help them manage their assets, their health care, and other needs.

It is always better to make a Living Will as well as a Last Will & Testament along with a plan for your loved ones as early as possible.

Our Services
Tailored Legal Solutions in Wills, Estates, and Probate Law

At Shaikh Law Firm, we provide a comprehensive range of services to address all aspects of wills, estates, and probate law, ensuring your needs are met with expertise and care:

Last Will & Testament: As a wills lawyers, we specialize in drafting and executing legally binding wills that reflect your final wishes. Our expertise ensures that your will is prepared in accordance with legal standards, safeguarding your intentions for the future.
Living Will/Health Care Directive: Establishing directives for health care decisions to guide your loved ones and healthcare providers.
Probate Applications: As a probate lawyer, we specialize in navigating the complexities of probate applications. Whether it’s a simple or contested case, our expertise ensures a smooth process in validating wills and administering estates. We provide comprehensive support in filing applications, handling legal documentation, and offering guidance through the entire probate process.
Power of Attorney for Property & Personal Care: Preparing documents to appoint someone to manage your property and personal care in case of incapacity.
Incapacity Planning: Strategizing for unexpected life events to ensure your affairs are managed as per your wishes.
Multiple Wills for Tax Efficiency: Creating separate wills to optimize tax benefits and streamline estate administration.
Mirror Wills Between Spouses: Coordinating wills for spouses to ensure mutual goals and wishes are honored.
Business Succession Plans: Developing strategies for the seamless transition of your business interests.
Family Trusts: Establishing trusts to manage and protect family assets for future generations.
Estate Planning Including Real Estate Transfers: Comprehensive estate planning services, including the transfer of real estate holdings.

Connect with us to discuss how our specialized services can assist you in planning and securing your legacy with precision and foresight.

Importance of making a Will

The key benefit of having a will in Canada is the control it gives you over who receives your property and how it is divided among your beneficiaries. Creating a will is a crucial step in managing your estate and ensuring your wishes are respected.

Personalized Property Distribution: With a will, you have the choice in deciding exactly who gets what. This is vital to ensure your assets are distributed according to your personal wishes, rather than being divided according to general legal guidelines.
Making Specific Gifts: You can specify gifts in your will, whether it’s particular items, sums of money, or donations to charities. This allows you to make meaningful bequests to individuals or causes you care about.
Appointing a Guardian for Minor Children: If you have children under the age of 18, a will is essential for appointing a guardian to care for them. This decision is incredibly important for their future well-being and security.
Peace of Mind: Another essential aspect of a will is ensuring peace of mind. Knowing that your assets and loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes can bring immense comfort.

Therefore, if you own property, have any form of assets such as a balance in the bank, a car, or if you have minor children and want to ensure your assets are divided as per your wish, and/or your minor child has a guardian after your death, it is important to have a will in Canada.

At Shaikh Law Firm, we understand the intricacies of creating a will that accurately reflects your desires and needs. Contact us today to ensure your legacy is secured and your loved ones are protected.

Do you need a lawyer to prepare a Will?

The Importance of Professional Legal Guidance in Drafting Your Will

No, you do not need a lawyer to prepare a will in Ontario. While Canadian law does not mandate the use of a lawyer for preparing a will, and even a handwritten will can be legally valid, the role of a lawyer in this process is invaluable, especially in more complex situations.

Legally Valid Wills: It’s true that for straightforward situations, such as leaving everything to a single individual, a simple will might suffice. This could be done using an online template and might seem cost-effective in the short term.
Complexities and Nuances: However, estate planning often involves complexities that go beyond simple asset distribution. A professionally drafted will by a knowledgeable wills lawyer can ensure that all aspects of your estate are thoroughly and accurately addressed.
Expertise in Estate Laws: Wills lawyers are experts in estate laws and can provide critical advice on creating a more comprehensive estate plan. This includes understanding the implications of taxes, dealing with debts, and ensuring your will is executed as intended.
Avoiding Future Disputes: A professionally prepared will can also help prevent potential disputes among beneficiaries, reducing the likelihood of costly and stressful legal challenges.
Tailored to Your Needs: A wills lawyer can tailor your will to your unique circumstances, offering peace of mind that your wishes will be respected and your loved ones protected.
A Wise Investment: Investing in the services of a wills lawyer in Ontario is a wise decision that can offer immense benefits in the long run. Not only does it ensure that your will is legally sound, but it also provides a level of certainty and protection for both you and your loved ones

What Happens When Someone Dies?

Next Steps and Legal Procedures

The passing of a loved one is a challenging time, and navigating the legal obligations can be overwhelming. Here are some essential steps and considerations:

Notify the Federal Government: It’s important to inform the federal government of the death to update records and determine eligibility for benefits. For a comprehensive checklist on who to notify and understand the benefits you may be eligible please, CLICK HERE Notify the Federal Government of a Death.
Considering Probate in Ontario: If you are managing the deceased’s estate, you may need to apply for probate. Probate is the legal process of validating a will and authorizing an executor or administrator to distribute the estate.
When to Apply for Probate: Before filing for probate, it’s crucial to understand the process and what’s involved. For valuable insights and tips, we invite you to read our detailed guide, “9 Tips You Must Know When Applying for Probate in Ontario”, available here.

Do you need a lawyer to file for a probate in Ontario?

No. A short answer is you do not need a lawyer to file for a probate application. There is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer to file a probate application in Ontario.

However, it is essential to understand that a probate lawyer would be qualified to draft the probate application as per Ontario’s civil procedure rules. An experienced estate lawyer or a probate lawyer can look after all aspects of a probate application. The chances of rejection of a probate application would be less if you were to retain an estate & probate lawyer who is more experienced in drafting such applications. Your lawyer will be responsible for attending to any court objections and resolving such complaints to the judge’s satisfaction.

A probate lawyer can also advise a tax-efficient way to file probate and guide you to take steps to protect assets and what other measures are needed other than probate application.

Overall, an estate lawyer can get the probate process completed faster than others. A probate lawyer will be your go-to person if you run into a problem when distributing the assets.

Avoid Complications

Hire Probate Lawyer

Everything you need to know to probate

What is a codicil?

An amendment to a Will is referred to as a Codicil to a Will. A Codicil is prepared to make minor changes, such as adding or removing a beneficiary of the Will.

How much does it cost to make a will in Ontario?

The cost of a Will in Onttario varies drastically between online Will template to Wills professionally drawn up by a Wills lawyer in Ontario. Average, an online Will template costs between $39 to $90. In contrast, a Lawyer specializing in Wills costs from $180 to $450 to prepare a Will.

At Shaikh Law Firm we keep it simple. We have fixed cost of a Will in Ontario, including Law Office Disbursements.

$ 450 + HST

Complete Will Pacakage
One Person Only
Consultation with a Wills Lawyer
Simple Equal Division of Assets
Appointment of Guardian for Children
One Last Will & Testament
One Living Will
Tax Planning NOT INCLUDED

$ 720 + HST

Two Wills Complete Pacakge
Between spouses only
Consultation with a Wills Lawyer
Complex Division of Assets
Appointment of Guardian for Children
Two Last Wills Testament
Two Living Wills
Tax Planning NOT INCLUDED

SAVE $180

Difference between Last Will & Living Will or Healthcare Directive

Last Will

A Last Will is a Legal document recording direction on how to distribute all assets & properties among beneficiaries after death.

Living Will

A Living Will, also known as a healthcare directive, is a legal document recording personal health care directives applicable when you are incapable of making a decision, such as physical or mental incapacity.

Power of Attorney

Our Wills Lawye can professionally draft a Power of Attorney for $270 + Tax.

INCLUDED IN LEGAL FEES;

Inclusive of Law Office Disbursements.
Inclusive of client intake meeting for recording instructions.
Three Drafts or Revisions included prior to Signing the Power of Attorney.
Another Meeting to sign /execute the Power of Attorney.

Wills Lawyer Cost

Our Wills Lawyer Fees Structure is Transparent in accordance with the Law Society Rules 4.2-2.1

Wills Lawyer Cost $450 + Tax

Our Wills and Estates Lawyer Fees for drafting a single Will is $450 + Tax and $720 for mirror wills (between spouses).

WILLS LAWYER FEES INCLUDED;

Wills & Estate Lawyer Free Consultation.
Drafting of Last Will & Testament.
Drafting of Living Will.
Drafting of affidavit of execution.
Appointment of guardians, trustees & executors
Simple equal division.
Inclusive of all law office disbursements.
Three Drafts or Revisions included before signing the Will.
Tax Planning NOT INCLUDED.

Wills lawyer
Free Consultation

Call us

(905) 795 7757

E-Mail

info@slclawyer.ca

Fax

(905) 795 1271

FAQs

Helping You Navigate Wills, Estates, and Probate Law

What is the difference between a will and a living will? A will is a legal document that details how your assets should be distributed after your death. A living will, on the other hand, outlines your wishes regarding medical treatment and care if you become unable to communicate these preferences yourself.
Do I need a lawyer to update my will. While legally you can update your will without a lawyer, consulting one is recommended to ensure all changes comply with legal standards and accurately reflect your current wishes, especially if the changes are significant or complex.
How long does the probate process usually take in Ontario? The duration of the probate process can vary, typically taking several months to a year. Factors affecting this timeline include the will’s complexity, estate size, and whether there are any disputes or complications.
What should I do if my loved one didn’t leave a will? When someone dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to Ontario’s intestacy laws. As a probate lawyer, we can assist you in understanding these laws and guide you through the process of estate administration.
Can a will be contested, and on what grounds? A will can be contested on several grounds, including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or if the will doesn’t meet legal requirements. It’s important to seek legal advice if you’re considering contesting a will.
What are the responsibilities of an executor? An executor’s responsibilities include locating and securing all assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets as per the will. This role requires diligence and often legal and financial acumen.
What are the tax implications of inheriting property? Inheriting property can have various tax implications, such as capital gains tax. The specific impact depends on the nature of the property and your circumstances.
Is it possible to plan my estate to reduce taxes and fees? Yes, strategic estate planning can help minimize taxes and fees. This might involve creating family trusts, making charitable donations, or restructuring how assets are held.

Find Wills & Estate Lawyer Near You

We have Multiple Meeting Location Across Greater Toronto Area.