Secure your legacy and protect your loved ones with our expert estate planning and wills services in Lakeview. We offer tailored solutions from power of attorney to probate, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.
Why Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer in Lakeview
- Customize trusts, powers of attorney and health directives to fit your needs.
- Minimize estate taxes and avoid probate delays for your beneficiaries.
- Ensure seamless transfer of assets to your heirs without legal disputes.
- Designate guardianship for minor children and protect vulnerable family members.
- Review and update plans as laws or personal circumstances change.
Our Estate Planning Services
- Drafting wills, trusts and complex estate plans for all family situations.
- Power of attorney and personal care directives to manage finances and health decisions.
- Probate avoidance strategies and tax-efficient transfer of assets.
- Guardianship arrangements and special needs trusts.
- Periodic reviews to keep documents current with legislation and life events.
Our Wills & Probate Services
- Comprehensive will drafting and codicil preparation for individuals and couples.
- Will reviews to ensure validity under Ontario law and fairness of provisions.
- Probate application assistance and executor guidance throughout administration.
- Estate dispute resolution and litigation when challenges arise.
- Executor fee calculations and tax reporting compliance.
Common Questions About Estate Planning & Wills in Lakeview
Who is first in line for inheritance?
Under Ontario intestacy rules, spouses and children inherit before other relatives.
If no will exists, assets pass according to a fixed hierarchy, which may not align with your wishes.
What happens to a bank account when someone dies without a will?
Accounts are frozen until a court appoints an estate trustee to manage distribution.
Delays can occur without clear instructions, underscoring the need for a valid will.
How do beneficiaries receive their money?
After probate, the estate trustee collects assets, pays debts, then distributes funds per the will.
Clear documentation and trustee guidance expedite transfers to named beneficiaries.
How to avoid probate in Ontario?
Use joint ownership, beneficiary designations and revocable trusts to bypass probate processes.
Proper planning reduces fees and accelerates asset transfer to heirs.
Can an executor be a beneficiary in Ontario?
Yes, executors often inherit under the will, but must still act impartially in managing the estate.
Transparency and conflict-of-interest protocols ensure fair administration.
Who gets paid first from an estate in Canada?
Debts, taxes and funeral expenses are settled before distributions to beneficiaries.
Following legal priorities prevents creditor claims against inherited assets.
Do you pay taxes on executor fees in Ontario?
Executor fees are taxable income and must be reported on the executor’s tax return.
Proper accounting ensures compliance with CRA requirements.
Do you have to register a will in Ontario?
Registration isn’t mandatory, but storing a will with the Superior Court can aid in locating it.
Secure storage and clarity on location prevent challenges during administration.
What is required for a will to be valid in Ontario?
It must be in writing, signed by the testator and witnessed by two adults not named in the will.
Clear testamentary intent and capacity checks strengthen enforceability.
What invalidates a will in Ontario?
Lack of proper signatures, undue influence or fraud can void a will.
Outdated or contradictory documents also risk invalidation without proper review.
Can you make a will without a lawyer in Ontario?
DIY wills are legal if they meet formal requirements, but risk errors and disputes.
Legal guidance ensures your wishes are clearly articulated and enforceable.
Is it better to do a will online or with a lawyer?
Online templates may suffice for simple estates, but lack personalized advice and review.
Lawyers tailor provisions to complex family dynamics and asset structures.
Are homemade wills legal in Canada?
Handwritten wills can be valid if witnessed properly in Ontario.
However, lack of legal review increases the chance of challenges or interpretation issues.
Does Staples have will kits?
Retail store kits offer basic templates, but don’t replace expert customization or legal oversight.
Mistakes in these kits can lead to unintended consequences in your estate plan.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Mississauga?
While not mandatory, legal advice ensures correct drafting and safeguards your estate plan.
Complex assets and blended families benefit significantly from professional expertise.
Who is best to prepare a will?
Estate planning lawyers specialize in nuanced drafting and strategic planning.
Choose advisors with local probate experience and a record of estate administration success.
How much does a will cost in Ontario?
Basic wills range from $500 to $1,500; more complex estates with trusts start at $2,000.
Fees vary by document complexity, assets and executor guidance requirements.
How much do most lawyers charge for a will?
Hourly rates or flat fees apply, averaging $200–$400 per hour or $1,000–$3,000 per package.
Detailed estimates depend on asset value, number of beneficiaries and planning needs.
What is the normal fee for an executor of a will in Ontario?
Executor fees typically range from 1% to 5% of the estate’s value, based on complexity.
Courts may set fees if parties dispute the proposed executor compensation.
How long does it take to process a will in Ontario?
Uncontested estates proceed through probate in 6–8 weeks; complex cases may take several months.
Timely document preparation and creditor clearance expedite the process.
Contact Us
For personalized estate planning and wills guidance, contact us at for a confidential consultation.