Pickering Law Firm

Will Planning Ontario

1315 Pickering Parkway, 3rd Floor, Suite 300

Pickering, ON L1V 7G5

416-730-2835

Free Phone Consultations

9am to 11pm, 7 days

Choose the best law firm for will planning in Pickering

Finding the right lawyer to represent you is crucial in ensuring your family's future is protected. With our team of highly skilled wills lawyers in Pickering, you can rest assured that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes after you pass away.

But that's not all - every will planning package we offer includes a power of attorney document for both Property and Personal Care, giving you peace of mind that every aspect of your estate will be taken care of. Trust us to help you plan for your family's future today.

Understanding the Importance of Will Planning in Pickering.

Creating a will is the legal process of documenting your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and the care of your dependents after your death.

If you have children, a will enables you to choose a guardian to take care of them in the event of your and your spouse's death. Properly planning your will can help minimize potential probate issues, thereby ensuring a smooth transfer of assets to your beneficiaries.

By clearly defining the distribution of assets, you can ensure that your family members receive their fair share. A well-prepared will can ease financial burdens for your loved ones and help ensure their future stability. We can assist you in determining the best course of action to protect your assets and plans for the future.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Pickering, Ontario, Canada

A. Testamentary Capacity

To create a valid will in Ontario, you need to have testamentary capacity, which means that you should be of sound mind and understand the consequences and nature of making a will.

B. Signing and Witnessing

In addition to being written, a will in Ontario must be signed by the testator and witnessed by at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will or their spouses. The witnesses must also be present when the testator is signing the will.

C. Revocation and Amendment

A will can be amended or revoked at any time. It is important to update your will if you experience significant changes in your life such as divorce, marriage, or the birth of a baby. You can consult a will law firm in Pickering to make sure your will is up-to-date.

Ontario Will Planning FAQ

What happens if I don’t have a will?

When a person dies without a Will, it is known as dying "intestate". In such cases, the division of assets is determined by a legal formula used by the Courts. This formula is rigid and is based on intestacy laws.

Without a Will, you have no control over who will manage your estate or be appointed guardian of your children under the age of eighteen (18).

In the absence of a Will, any family member can apply to the court to obtain letters of administration, which would grant them the legal authority to act as your Executor and administer your estate.
If I get married or divorced, does that affect my will?

If you get married after making a Will, it is usually revoked or even canceled. This only applies if the Will was made anticipating marriage.

Divorced spouses can only have their gifts revoked or canceled if they divorce after making a Will. This also cancels the appointment of your spouse as executor, trustee or Guardian in the will. This will not apply, however, if the Court finds that the Will maker did not intend to revoke a gift or appointment by divorcing.

You should consult our team if you want to change your Will, or if your marital situation changes.
What happens to any old wills?

It is essential to locate old Wills to collect them, destroy them, or notify the holders that a new Will was made and they no longer need their services.