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"This is my first time going through a loss but Alan and Kerry were both there to help, even though it was last minute. Alan was amazing with his work and very professional. I hired Alan and Kerry for both Will Probate and Real Estate and I could not have asked for better lawyers. Great services and very knowledgeable. Thank you Alan and Kerry!"
Sarah White, Edmonton

Having a valid will and other estate planning documents, drafted by a qualified wills & estates lawyer, can save a great deal of time and money. It also provides you with an avenue to decide what you want for your estate, instead of having the government decide for you. A clearly drafted will reduces the likelihood of litigation upon your death, and will better ensure your wishes are respected. Standard forms are available for purchase from some stores and on-line sources. Unfortunately, such forms cannot consider and address your specific needs. An incorrectly prepared will could be found to be entirely invalid, as though you don’t have a will at all. A poorly drafted will is also a source for estate litigation when there is conflict about its meaning or your intent.

Your Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the ability to manage your finances when you can’t, or when you just want someone else to have that legal authority. A Power of Attorney can be written to take effect immediately or later, and can have restrictions on how the Attorney can act.

A Personal Directive can give someone else the authority to make medical, health, and other related decisions on your behalf. 

When a person dies, there are laws that dictate what an executor can and must do to properly manage an estate. If a grant of probate or administration is needed, numerous forms must be completed and interested parties advised.  Documents must be submitted to the courts and an accounting must be done. An executor has great responsibility and can be held accountable for errors caused by negligence or acts done in bad faith. Sometimes, conflict arises as to the validity of a will or intent of the testator. 

Sometimes conflict arises because beneficiaries disagree on how a will should be interpreted, or because someone believes they have been treated unfairly. We can help you prepare estate planning documents that reflect your wishes, and are legally enforceable.  If conflict arises, we can assist with resolving the conflict via the courts.

Things to Consider …

There are a number of factors to consider when doing your estate planning:

  • Would you like to gift specific items?
  • Will debts owed by beneficiaries be forgiven?
  • Do you own property in other jurisdictions (provinces or countries)?
  • Will there be an equal division of assets among your beneficiaries?
  • Should your will and that of your spouse be “mirrored”?

How we can Help

It is important to know how the law will interpret the provisions of your will:

  • Ensuring statutory and case law will support your preferences
  • Avoiding ambiguities that could be grounds for estate litigation
  • Considering application of the law to a spouse, ex-spouse, and dependents
  • Advisement on areas that may have tax implications
  • Helping to ensure your estate planning documents are legally enforceable