Clear legal guidance for Wills, Powers of Attorney, business-owner estate planning, probate and estate administration. Transparent fees and virtual appointments are available throughout Ontario.
Ontario-Wide Service • Virtual Appointments • Senior-Lawyer Guidance
Planning your estate is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and preserve your wishes. Shaikh Law Firm assists individuals, families and business owners throughout Ontario.
We prepare Wills, Powers of Attorney and customized estate plans, including planning for minor children, business interests, multiple properties and complex family circumstances.
Our firm also assists executors and estate trustees with probate and estate administration. You receive clear advice, transparent fees and senior-lawyer guidance throughout the process.
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Your estate planning is essential. We ensure you have the right tools to protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones.
A properly drafted Will allows you to decide how your assets will be distributed, appoint an estate trustee to administer your estate, and name guardians for minor children.
Without a valid Will, your estate may be distributed under Ontario’s intestacy laws rather than according to your wishes.
A Will can help you:
A Will takes effect after death, but Powers of Attorney help protect you during your lifetime if you become unable to make decisions. In Ontario, separate documents may be prepared for property and personal care.
Authorizes a trusted person to manage financial matters, property, banking and other legal or financial decisions.
Authorizes a trusted person to make decisions concerning health care, accommodation, nutrition and personal support.
No, Ontario law does not require a lawyer to prepare a will, and even a handwritten (holograph) will can be legally valid. For a very simple situation, an online template may suffice. A lawyer-drafted will matters when anything goes beyond the simplest case:
Losing a loved one is difficult, and the legal obligations that follow can feel overwhelming. The essential first steps:
No, there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer to file a probate application in Ontario. Many executors retain one because the process is procedural and unforgiving of errors:
Learn more in our probate guide or review probate lawyer fees, fixed fees from $1,500 + HST for uncontested matters.
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.
At Shaikh Law Firm, a lawyer-drafted will costs a fixed $450 + HST for a single will, or $720 + HST for mirror wills between spouses, including a Last Will, a Living Will, and all law office disbursements. Across Ontario, wills lawyers typically charge between $180 and $800 depending on complexity, while online will templates run $39 to $90 but offer no legal advice, no tailoring, and no protection against drafting errors.
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. In Ontario, living-will wishes are typically given legal effect through a Power of Attorney for Personal Care
Our Wills Lawyer can professionally draft a Power of Attorney for $270 + HST per document, whether a Power of Attorney for Property or a Power of Attorney for Personal Care.
Included in the legal fee:
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How much does a will cost in Ontario?
At Shaikh Law Firm, a lawyer-drafted will costs a fixed $450 + HST for a single will, or $720 + HST for mirror wills between spouses. Both packages include a Last Will, a Living Will, and all law office disbursements.
How much does probate cost in Ontario?
Legal fees for a simple, uncontested probate range from $1,500 to $2,500 + HST. The Estate Administration Tax is charged separately at 1.5% on estate value over $50,000. Use our probate fees calculator to estimate the tax.
How long does the probate process take in Ontario?
Probate in Ontario typically takes several months to a year. The timeline depends on the estate’s complexity and size, court processing times, and whether any disputes or complications arise.
Do I need a lawyer to update my will?
Legally, no — but consulting one is recommended to ensure changes comply with legal requirements and reflect your current wishes. Minor changes can be made by codicil, while significant changes are usually better handled by preparing a new will.
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. The court appoints an estate trustee through the probate process. We can guide you through estate administration where there is no will — see our probate guide.
Can a will be contested, and on what grounds?
Yes. A will can be contested on grounds including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or failure to meet legal execution requirements. Seek legal advice promptly if you are considering contesting a will.
What are the responsibilities of an executor?
An executor locates and secures the estate’s assets, pays debts and taxes, applies for probate where required, and distributes the remaining assets according to the will. The role carries legal responsibility and often requires financial diligence.
What are the tax implications of inheriting property?
There is no inheritance tax in Canada, so beneficiaries do not pay tax on what they inherit. However, the estate may face capital gains tax on certain property, and Estate Administration Tax applies where probate is required.
Is it possible to plan my estate to reduce taxes and fees?
Yes. Strategic estate planning can reduce taxes and probate fees — for example, through family trusts, charitable donations, joint ownership structures, or naming beneficiaries on registered accounts and insurance.
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