A will ensures that your estate is distributed as you would like, that your minor children are in the care of the person you trust, and that your estate trustee is someone of your choosing. If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to a formula in the Succession Law Reform Act , and not necessarily as you intended.

Estate planning can benefit you from a tax perspective, and assist the beneficiaries of your estate by reducing potential probate fees or other taxes.

All too often, a will does not meet the expectations of the named beneficiaries or others not named in a will. This can result in a challenge to the validity of a will, usually when a will has been changed late in the life of a testator.

Common grounds for a challenge to the validity of a will include a lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence.

If you become incapable of making your own decisions due to illness or disability, someone, perhaps the government, will be appointed to make them for you. A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property allows you to make that choice.

By drafting a Power of Attorney for Personal Care you can ensure that a trusted friend or relative, instructed by you, will make the decisions that you would want made for you, such as medical treatments of resuscitation procedures, in the event your illness prevents you from giving your consent or instructions.