If you wish to prepare estate planning documents, I can assist you with:
- Last Will and Testament — a legal document that sets out how your
assets will be distributed after your death, and appoints an executor to administer your
estate. I assist clients in preparing carefully drafted wills and, where appropriate,
trusts that clearly articulate their wishes and form part of a thoughtful estate planning
process for their loved ones.
A well-designed estate plan goes beyond asset distribution. As part of my planning process,
I identify potential sources of dispute and take reasonable, proactive steps to manage
litigation risk, recognizing that estate disputes can be costly and may undermine a client’s
intentions. This includes thoughtful drafting and appropriate documentation to help support
the estate plan if it is later challenged.
For clients who own shares in a corporation, it may be appropriate to consider whether a separate will
dealing specifically with corporate shares should form part of the estate plan. In some
circumstances, this type of planning may assist in limiting probate fees that might otherwise
apply to those shares. I advise clients on whether this approach is suitable based on their
individual circumstances.
If you have minor children, I assist in documenting guardian designations in accordance with
applicable law, an important component of planning for their care and well-being.
- Power of Attorney — a legal document that appoints someone to make
legal and financial decisions on your behalf. You may choose to have it take effect
while you are capable, and you may choose to have it continue if you later become
incapable (an “enduring” Power of Attorney).
- Representation Agreement — a legal document that authorizes a trusted person
to make health-care and personal-care decisions on your behalf only if you are unable to make
or communicate those decisions yourself. I assist clients in preparing Representation Agreements
that clearly set out their wishes and values and identify an appropriate representative.
By thoughtfully selecting a representative and clearly communicating your wishes and values, the
agreement helps guide health-care and personal-care decision-making in a manner consistent with
your preferences.
- Nomination of Committee — a legal document that allows you to formally express
your wishes about who should manage your financial affairs and make personal or health-related
decisions on your behalf if you become incapable and a court appointment is required. A Nomination
of Committee assists the court by clearly setting out your preferences in advance and can be an
important planning tool where a Power of Attorney or Representation Agreement is unavailable,
no longer effective, or insufficient for your circumstances.
I will work with you to understand your wishes, your family circumstances, and your goals. I
then prepare legally sound, clear, and customized documents that reflect your intentions and
help prevent future disputes.