Wills
We offer advice and direction with respect to estate planning and in particular how
your estate will be handled in the event of death. In preparing a will, you are able to
provide more certainty and clarity to your loved ones as to your final wishes. You able
to set out clearly who will administer your estate and who will receive portions of your
estate as beneficiaries. We also offer advice in regards to more complex situations
(ie. blended families, dependents with disabilities, trust provisions) and how effective
and detailed estate planning can help avoid situations of conflict, unnecessary tax
consequences or financial hardships for any affected beneficiaries.
Living Will Documents – Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive
Too often there is a misconception that having a will in place is all you need. What
happens if you become mentally incapacitated and unable to make financial and
health care decisions for yourself? Living will documents – the Enduring Power of
Attorney and Personal Directive allow you to appoint representatives to deal with your
financial affairs and health care matters in the event that you are unable to do so.
Without these documents in place, your loved ones are potentially looking at months
to submit applications to the courts with high legal fees. Don’t make that mistake –
call us today to get these documents in place!
Probate Applications
When you pass away, your Executor or loved ones may be required to apply to the
Court for a Grant of Probate if there is/are asset(s) held in your name alone and
cannot otherwise be transferred. What is Probate? This is the number one question
our office receives almost daily. Probate is a grant that is issued by the Alberta
Surrogate Court stating that a person has the authority to deal with an estate. This
allows the Court to confirm the validity of your Will and officially appoint your
Executor or Personal Representative to facilitate the transfer of your real and personal
property on behalf of your estate. We help you navigate the complicated forms and
court process to obtain the Grant for Probate at a reasonable cost. Not sure if the Will
you are administering requires probate? Call us today and we can provide you with
some direction and advice.