Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Canada

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Gish Law Office
Lacombe, Canada

English
Gish Law Office, established in 1997, has been a cornerstone of the Lacombe community, offering a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The firm's areas of practice encompass real estate transactions, corporate and commercial law, estate planning,...
Walker Head Lawyers
Pickering, Canada

Founded in 1980
English
Established in 1980, Walker Head Lawyers is a full-service law firm based in Pickering, Ontario, serving clients throughout the Durham Region and Toronto. The firm offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, divorce, elder law,...
Smith Law Firm
Toronto, Canada

English
Smith Law Firm, with offices in Barrie and Toronto, Ontario, specializes in litigation and wills and estate planning. The firm offers comprehensive legal services in areas such as contract disputes, construction disputes, debt enforcement and recovery, employment law litigation, estate litigation,...
Toronto, Canada

Founded in 1932
English
Ramsay Law Office Professional Corporation has been a cornerstone of the Temiskaming legal community for over 90 years, offering comprehensive legal services in both English and French. The firm's areas of practice include Real Estate transactions, Corporate and Commercial law, Wills and Powers of...
Mosquito Creek Law Office
Nanton, Canada

Founded in 1982
English
Mosquito Creek Law Office, formerly known as Gordon & McLeod Law Office, has been a cornerstone of the Nanton, Alberta community for over 40 years. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Their areas of practice...
Lippes Mathias LLP
Burlington, Canada

Founded in 1965
177 people in their team
English
Lippes Mathias LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 135 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, N.Y.; Albany, N.Y.; Burlington, Ontario; Chicago, Ill.; New York City; Jacksonville, Fla; and Washington, D.C., the firm represents a wide...
Beausejour, Canada

English
Wasylin Law Office, located in Beausejour, Manitoba, is a family-run firm with nearly 50 years of combined experience in Family Law, Real Estate Transactions, Criminal Law, and Wills & Estates. The father-and-son team is dedicated to serving the community with integrity and compassion, offering...
Anwar & Riou Law Office
Unity, Canada

Founded in 2003
English
Anwar & Riou Law Office, established in 2003, is a full-service law firm headquartered in Unity, Saskatchewan, with an additional office in Saskatoon. With over four decades of combined legal experience, the firm offers comprehensive legal services across Saskatchewan, focusing on areas such as...
Shory Law
Calgary, Canada

Founded in 1998
50 people in their team
French
English
Reputable and Community-Based Law Firm in CalgaryShory Law is a community-based firm in Calgary, Alberta with clients nationally around Canada. We pride ourselves in our pro-bono work and involvement with partners and stakeholders that touch our firm’s practice areas of law. Shory Law has been...
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About Estate Planning Law in Canada

Estate planning in Canada involves creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed upon your passing. This can include creating a will, establishing trusts, naming beneficiaries, and minimizing tax liabilities. It is important to have a well-thought-out estate plan to ensure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are taken care of.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While it is possible to create a basic estate plan on your own, there are many situations where seeking the advice of a lawyer is beneficial. Some common reasons why you may need a lawyer for estate planning include having a complex family situation, owning a business, having assets in multiple jurisdictions, or wanting to minimize tax obligations.

Local Laws Overview

In Canada, each province and territory has its own laws governing estate planning. However, there are some common principles that apply across the country. These include the importance of having a valid will, understanding the implications of joint ownership, and planning for incapacity through powers of attorney and healthcare directives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a will in Canada?

Yes, having a valid will is essential in Canada to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

2. What is probate and do I need to avoid it?

Probate is the process of proving the validity of a will. While it may involve some fees and delays, avoiding probate is not always necessary depending on your estate's complexity.

3. How can I reduce estate taxes in Canada?

There are various strategies for minimizing estate taxes in Canada, such as gifting during your lifetime, establishing trusts, and utilizing tax exemptions and credits.

4. What is a power of attorney and why is it important?

A power of attorney is a legal document that appoints someone to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It is essential for ensuring your affairs are managed as per your wishes.

5. Can I update my estate plan if my circumstances change?

Yes, it is important to review and update your estate plan regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or changes in financial status.

6. Should I use a trust in my estate plan?

Using a trust can be beneficial for achieving various estate planning goals, such as providing for minors, protecting assets from creditors, and reducing probate fees.

7. What happens if I die without a will in Canada?

If you die without a will in Canada, your assets will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of your province or territory, which may not align with your wishes.

8. How can I ensure my digital assets are included in my estate plan?

You can include provisions for your digital assets in your will or use a separate document to specify how they should be managed after your passing.

9. What are the duties of an executor in Canada?

An executor is responsible for managing the deceased's estate, including distributing assets, settling debts, and fulfilling any specific instructions outlined in the will.

10. How can I best protect my estate from legal challenges?

To minimize the risk of legal challenges to your estate plan, it is important to clearly communicate your intentions, seek legal advice, and ensure your documents are properly drafted and executed.

Additional Resources

For more information on estate planning in Canada, consider contacting the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP Canada), the Canadian Bar Association, or consulting with a local estate planning lawyer.

Next Steps

If you are in need of legal assistance with your estate plan in Canada, it is advisable to schedule a consultation with an experienced estate planning lawyer who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Canada through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Estate Planning, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Canada - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.