Wills and Estates Lawyer in Toronto

A will estate lawyer in Toronto helps with naming a legal guardian for children by assisting you in making the guardian decision with care and ensuring it is clearly stated in your legal documents. You can also name an alternate guardian in case your first choice is unable to act. This kind of planning provides reassurance that your children will be cared for by someone you trust, avoiding potential legal disputes between relatives.

Your will should include a guardian if you have children under 18 because, without one, the court will decide who takes that role. That court decision might not match your wishes, so naming a guardian in your will gives your children stability and legal protection.

A will lawyer helps with complex estate planning situations by providing legal solutions that match your assets, protect your family, and reduce the chance of future conflict. This advanced planning gives you better control over complicated matters like blended family arrangements and staged asset distribution. Will lawyers also assist you in setting rules for how business shares are handled, how funds are released over time, and tax planning or trust options for long-term support. Some estates require more than a basic will, so your plan must address those details clearly if you have a family business, real estate outside Ontario, or a blended family.

Yes, a Toronto wills and estates lawyer can prepare a power of attorney based on your instructions and explain what each person can legally do. This avoids confusion and protects your interests if something unexpected happens. Power of Attorney is as important as a will because if you ever become seriously ill or injured, having a valid Power of Attorney allows your chosen representative to step in without delay and pay the bills so your health decisions can align with your preferences.

A Power of Attorney lets someone you trust manage your affairs if you are unable to. There are two kinds of POA in Ontario; one covers financial matters and the other covers personal care and medical decisions.

Yes. A handwritten will, commonly referred to as a holograph will, is valid in Ontario provided it is entirely in the testator’s own handwriting and signed by the testator, as permitted under Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act. A holograph will does not require witnesses.

The problems with handwritten wills are that these wills may be unclear, incomplete, or challenged in the court. It is recommended to use a lawyer-prepared will to reduce the risk of mistakes or disputes, as a Will Lawyer in Toronto confirms your will is legally sound and easy to execute.

No, Ontario law does not require a lawyer to prepare a will; however, having a lawyer draft your will is strongly recommended. Self-written wills often miss important legal details or include vague language. These legal gaps can create confusion during probate, so a Toronto lawyer helps make wills clear, compliant, and properly documented.

You should review your will after major life changes such as marriage, separation, the birth of a child, or the death of an executor or beneficiary. It is also wise to review your will every few years, even without big changes, to make sure it still reflects your current wishes. A Will Lawyer in Toronto can help you revise or update your documents when needed.

Yes, you can create your will online without visiting our office. We handle the initial consultation, information gathering, document review, and drafting virtually. The only step that requires an in-person meeting is the final execution of the will. This face-to-face signing is necessary so that the document is executed correctly, complies with legal formalities, and cannot be easily challenged later. This step protects both you and your estate.

The main difference between a will and a Power of Attorney is that a will takes effect after death and governs how your estate is distributed, whereas a Power of Attorney applies while you are alive and allows someone to make financial or personal care decisions for you if you become unable to. Both documents are essential parts of a complete estate plan, and a Toronto will lawyer can prepare both based on your individual needs.

If someone challenges your will, estate distribution may be delayed while the court reviews the claim, and legal costs can increase for the estate. Challenges are based on issues such as lack of mental capacity, undue influence, improper execution, or the will’s legal validity. During this process, the executor may be limited in distributing assets until the dispute is resolved. While no will is immune from challenge, having a properly drafted and correctly witnessed will, prepared in accordance with Ontario law, reduces the likelihood of a successful claim.

Yes, you can name more than one person to act as a co-executor in your will, as this is helpful when managing complex estates or where shared responsibility is preferred. You can also name an alternate executor in case the first is unable to act. A Toronto will lawyer can help you decide how to structure this role and clearly define each person’s authority.