When you pass away without a will, your assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy in Ontario. This means that the court will determine how your assets are divided among your surviving family members, which may not align with your specific wishes. Creating a will allows you to have control over the distribution of your assets and ensures that your intentions are followed.

While it is difficult to provide an exact figure without assessing your specific needs, we strive to offer our wills writing services at reasonable and competitive prices. Our goal is to make quality legal assistance accessible to individuals from all walks of life, ensuring that you receive a comprehensive and well-crafted will without breaking the bank.

For a simple will (1 person, no tax planning, simple equal division) you can expect a charge of ~$450. For a mirror will, between spouses, the cost is ~$750.

An executor is the person or institution responsible for administering your estate after you pass away. Their duties may include gathering and valuing assets, paying creditors and filing tax returns, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and handling any legal or administrative tasks associated with the estate. When choosing an executor to name in your will, it’s important to consider the individual’s availability, trustworthiness, and financial literacy.

Yes, you can include funeral or burial instructions in your will. However, it is important to note that wills are typically read and executed after the funeral has taken place. To ensure that your funeral or burial wishes are promptly followed, it may be more appropriate to discuss and document these instructions separately with your loved ones or in a pre-arranged funeral plan.

It is generally recommended to review and update your will periodically, especially during significant life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or a change in financial circumstances. Updating your will ensures that it remains accurate and reflects your current wishes and circumstances. Consulting with an estate planning lawyer can help you determine when updates to your will are necessary.

A codicil is a legal document used to make amendments or additions to an existing will without revoking the entire will. It allows you to modify specific provisions or include new instructions while retaining the rest of your original will.

You might need a codicil when you wish to make minor changes to your will, such as updating beneficiaries, appointing a new executor, or revising specific bequests. It is important to note that significant changes or complex revisions may require creating a new will altogether, rather than using a codicil. Consulting with an experienced lawyer will help determine whether a codicil is appropriate for your particular situation.

At our firm, our knowledgeable team can assist you in understanding when a codicil is suitable and guide you through the process of creating one, ensuring that your desired modifications are legally sound and properly documented.

In Ontario, you do not have an absolute right to disinherit someone in your will. You may choose to do so, however, there are certain protections in place for close family members. It is highly advisable to consult with an estates lawyer to ensure that the disinheritance provisions are properly drafted to withstand scrutiny.

The probate process is the legal procedure through which a deceased person's will is validated, and their assets are distributed according to the terms of the will or applicable laws. It involves various steps, such as filing the will with the court, identifying and inventorying assets, settling outstanding debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.

While you have the option to handle probate yourself, it is recommended that you consult with a lawyer for guidance to ensure a smooth process. Click here to see our fees and download our free checklist.

The costs associated with probate can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the estate, the value of the assets involved, and any legal fees involved. Common expenses may include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor fees, appraiser fees, and other administrative costs.

In general, probate expenses can range from a few thousand dollars to a significant percentage of the estate's value. It is important to note that these costs are typically paid from the estate itself before the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

At our firm, we understand the importance of transparency and efficiency when it comes to probate costs. We strive to provide our clients with clear and detailed explanations of the potential expenses involved in the probate process. Our team works diligently to ensure that the probate proceedings are handled in a cost-effective manner, while still upholding the legal requirements and protecting the interests of the estate and beneficiaries.

Click here to see our fees and download our free checklist.

Challenging a will involves contesting its validity or terms, typically based on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud or forgery, or improper execution. Initiating legal proceedings through the appropriate court and hiring a lawyer who specializes in estate litigation are often necessary. It's important to note that challenging a will can be complex, emotionally charged, and time consuming. Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in estate disputes will provide you with the necessary guidance and representation throughout the process.