Best Trusts Lawyers in Canada

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Kaup Law Office
St. Albert, Canada

English
Kaup Law Office, located in St. Albert, Alberta, offers comprehensive legal services in real estate, wills and estates, corporate and commercial law, civil litigation, and surface rights. The firm's experienced team provides professional estate planning documents, estate administration, and estate...

Founded in 1999
English
Olschewski Davie Barristers & Solicitors stands out in the Canadian legal landscape through its comprehensive expertise in family law, real estate, and estate planning. With a dedicated team specializing in divorce and mediation services, the firm provides nuanced legal guidance tailored to each...
Pitt Meadows, Canada

7 people in their team
English
Peak Law Group is a full-service British Columbia law firm headquartered in Pitt Meadows with a satellite presence in Langley. The firm provides legal services across business and corporate matters, dispute resolution and litigation, real estate and conveyancing, estate planning and probate, family...
Chestermere Law LLP
Chestermere, Canada

Founded in 2016
3 people in their team
English
Chestermere Law LLP is a full-service law firm based in Chestermere, Alberta that serves individuals, families and local businesses. Founded in 2016 by resident lawyers, the firm provides services across real estate, corporate and commercial matters, wills and estates, and related client needs,...
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...

Founded in 1976
English
R A Cooper Professional Corporation, located in Kitchener, Ontario, has been a trusted legal resource in the Kitchener-Waterloo region for over 47 years. Founded by Richard A. Cooper in 1976, the firm has grown from a modest beginning into one of the area's most active law practices. Mr. Cooper, a...
Calgary, Canada

English
Charles Hotzel & Associates is a Calgary-based law practice with a focus on real estate, estate planning, corporate matters and civil litigation. The practice is led by Charles Hotzel, a lawyer with long-standing experience in transactional and litigation files, and supports clients across...

English
Western Legal Barristers & Solicitors, located in Edson, Alberta, offers comprehensive legal services with a focus on real estate, estate planning, and corporate commercial law. The firm assists clients in residential and commercial real estate transactions, including sales, purchases, leasing, and...
Specht & Pryer Law Corp
Vancouver, Canada

Founded in 2002
50 people in their team
French
English
Based in Downtown Vancouver, Specht and Pryer has been offering legal services in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean and English for over 20 years. We have varied experience in Family Law, Criminal Law, Corporate, Immigration, Will and Estate and more. While primarily practicing in Vancouver,...
White Stag Law
100 Mile House, Canada

English
White Stag Law, located in 100 Mile House, British Columbia, offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including wills and estates, real estate conveyancing, business incorporations, commercial transactions, and financing and refinancing. The firm is committed to delivering legal assistance...
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About Trusts Law in Canada

Trust law in Canada is a crucial aspect of property and estate planning, allowing individuals to manage and protect their assets effectively. A trust is a legal relationship where one party, known as the trustee, holds property for the benefit of another party, the beneficiary. The person who creates the trust is called the settlor. Trusts can be established for various reasons, such as estate planning, asset management, tax reduction, or ensuring that specific terms and conditions are met for the benefit of certain individuals or organizations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are numerous situations where you might need legal assistance with trusts in Canada:

  • Creating a trust to ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes.
  • Understanding the tax implications associated with a trust.
  • Disputes between trustees and beneficiaries about the management of the trust.
  • Modifying or terminating an existing trust.
  • Ensuring compliance with Canadian trust laws and regulations.
  • Protecting assets in the event of divorce or business risks.

Local Laws Overview

Trusts in Canada are generally governed by provincial or territorial law, which means the specific regulations can vary across regions. Key aspects of Canadian trust law include:

  • Creation of a Trust: This involves a settlor transferring property to a trustee, with clear intention and purpose.
  • Trustee Duties: Trustees have fiduciary responsibilities, including duty to act in the best interest of beneficiaries, duty of loyalty, and duty to manage the trust prudently.
  • Types of Trusts: There are several, including express trusts, resulting trusts, and constructive trusts, each with unique legal implications.
  • Taxation: Trusts are separate legal entities for tax purposes, and the taxation of trusts can be complex, involving considerations such as income distribution and capital gains.
  • Registration: Some provinces require that trusts be registered or follow specific formalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of a trust?

A trust helps manage and protect assets, ensuring they are used in a manner consistent with the settlor's wishes, often for beneficiaries who may not be able to manage them alone.

Can a trust be altered or revoked?

It depends on the type of trust. Revocable trusts can be changed, while irrevocable trusts are generally fixed and require court intervention to modify or terminate.

Who can be a trustee in Canada?

Any competent person aged 18 or older can be a trustee in Canada. Trust companies and financial institutions can also act as trustees.

What are the tax implications of creating a trust?

Trusts are subject to income tax, and the rules can be complex. Professional tax advice is recommended to understand specific implications.

How is a trust funded?

A trust is funded by transferring property or assets from the settlor to the trust, which then becomes managed by the trustee.

What happens if a trustee breaches their duties?

If a trustee breaches their fiduciary duties, they can be removed, and may be held liable for any losses incurred due to their actions.

Are trusts public or private?

Most trusts are private arrangements and do not require public disclosure.

How long can a trust last in Canada?

Trusts usually last a specific term or until the purpose has been fulfilled. Some may be structured to last indefinitely.

Can a minor be a beneficiary?

Yes, minors can be beneficiaries of a trust, with the trust often used to manage assets until they reach adulthood.

How do trusts help in estate planning?

Trusts can provide control over how assets are distributed after death, potentially save on estate taxes, and protect beneficiaries' interests.

Additional Resources

Here are some helpful resources for more information on trusts in Canada:

  • Government of Canada's resources on estate planning.
  • Provincial or Territorial law societies providing legal resources and directories.
  • The Canadian Bar Association for comprehensive legal insights.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with trusts, consider taking the following steps:

  • Consult with a lawyer specializing in trust law to understand your specific needs and options.
  • Prepare any relevant documents and information about your assets and intentions.
  • Book an initial consultation to discuss your situation and receive personalized advice.
  • Consider additional advice from financial advisors, especially about tax implications.

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 Trusts, 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.

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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.

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