Wills & Estates Lawyer

Experienced Guidance in Wills, Probate, and Estate Planning

Planning for the future is one of life’s most important steps. At Shaikh Law Firm, our experienced Wills and Estates Lawyers help individuals and families across Ontario prepare with confidence through our multiple office locations.

Whether you need a professionally drafted will, probate assistance, or a complete estate plan, we provide clear, affordable legal solutions tailored to your needs.

With over three decades of combined experience, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. That’s why we offer flat-fee pricing, no hidden charges, and a free 15-minute consultation, so you can secure your legacy without financial uncertainty.

From appointing guardians for minor children to protecting family assets through strategic estate planning, our dedicated team guides you through every step of the process with expertise and compassion.

Wills and Estates Lawyer Ontario

Our Legal Services

Expert legal guidance across all aspects of estate planning, probate, and succession matters in Ontario.

Protect Your Legacy

Comprehensive will drafting, estate planning, and family protection strategies

Navigate Probate Process

Expert guidance through probate applications, estate administration, and asset distribution

Advanced Strategies

Business succession, family trusts, tax efficiency, and complex estate structures

Free Consultation

Not sure which service you need? Book your free 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific situation.

wills and estates lawyer

Why Your Family Needs a Will

A will matters because it allows you to decide how your assets are distributed, provides for loved ones, appoints an executor to manage your estate, names guardians for minor children, and reduces the potential for family conflict, court intervention, and delays after your death.

Without a will, an Ontario court will decide how to distribute your estate according to provincial laws, which may not reflect your wishes and can lead to costly and stressful complications for your family.

 

Key Reasons to Have a Will

  • Control over your estate – Decide who inherits your property, investments, and digital assets.

  • Provide for your loved ones – Ensure that your family, friends, and chosen charities are looked after.

  • Choose a trusted executor – Appoint a responsible person to manage debts, taxes, and asset distribution.

  • Protect your children – Name guardians for minors rather than leaving the decision to the courts.

  • Prevent family conflict – Reduce the likelihood of disputes and costly legal challenges.

  • Save time and costs – Simplify estate administration and minimize delays.

  • Avoid intestacy laws – Prevent your estate from being distributed under provincial default rules.

  • Secure your legacy – Ensure your assets benefit the people and causes that matter most to you.

 

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.

Wills and Estates Lawyer

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
wills and estates lawyer

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

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.

Wills and Estates lawyer cost

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. 

single

WILL Package
$ 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
  •  

dual

WILL PACKAGE
$ 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.
power of attorney in Ontario Cost

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

wills and estates lawyers Ontario

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

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