Wills & Estates Lawyer in Calgary
Protect Your Legacy with Our Wills and Estate Lawyers | Legal Guidance for Your Estate Planning Needs
WILLS & ESTATES
GSD Wills & Estates Services:
How We Can Assist
The Last Will
Enduring Power of Attorney
Personal Directive
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WILLS & ESTATES LAW
Preparing a Will is an important decision that should not be left to chance. It is crucial whether you have acquired property or not.
In the event of your passing, there may be certain actions that you want taken, such as how and where you wish to be buried. This can be especially important for those with religious affiliations, where specific instructions carry great significance.
It is advisable to make decisions in advance regarding how your assets should be handled after your passing, especially if you have acquired property. Failure to do so may lead to unwanted relatives or the government taking over your assets.
At GSD Law Group, our experienced team of Wills and estates lawyers is ready to guide you through the process of planning your Will, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your assets are protected. Our lawyers will work with you to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that your Will reflects your unique circumstances.
Do not leave such an important decision to chance. Contact GSD Law Group today and let us help you plan for the future.
A Power of Attorney (POA)
A Power of Attorney helps deal with different situations, especially when illness might affect mental capacity. It is important to have an attorney or an alternate attorney for important decisions.
Taxes
You may need help with filing taxes or representation for tax obligations. If you are not present in Canada and have tax obligations to the government, a representative can be authorized.
Estate Planning and CRA
For proper estate planning, it's in your interest for the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) to be informed of your death. Taxes on the estate will then be handled and paid by the executor if a Will is in place.
Consequences of Not Having a Will
Not having a Will could lead to more tax than necessary being paid from the estate to the State.
Personal Directive vs. Enduring Power of Attorney
A Personal Directive empowers an appointee to make specific personal decisions on behalf of the person. An Enduring Power of Attorney is needed for handling financial affairs, especially when one lacks the capacity to do so.
Alternate Attorney
An alternate attorney is someone empowered to act when the preferred attorney is unable to carry out the appointer's wishes.
Probate
Once a Will is prepared, it must be certified by a court to ensure it meets all formal legal requirements. This is important in preventing fraud and ensuring wishes are followed.
Estate Litigation
An estate can sometimes become involved in litigation by family members or other interested parties regarding property.
Will Validity
Wills require formal validity, meaning a court must find the Will valid and not fraudulent. A Will is valid if it reflects the testator's wishes and is signed by two witnesses. Failure to adhere to this can invalidate the Will. A Will can be deemed invalid if there were issues with the testator's mental capacity when it was drawn up. Mental capacity issues can stem from old age or illness, or from defined relationships that improperly influence the testator's decisions regarding property allocation in the Will.
At GSD Law Group, we understand that having a Will is essential for many reasons. Our professional team is dedicated to assisting you with personal matters and estate issues, providing valuable advice every step of the way. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service when it comes to creating their Wills. Let us help you plan for the future and ensure that your estate is handled exactly as you intend.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact GSD Law Group today for expert legal guidance on your wills & estates matters.
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