Why Making a Will with a Toronto Lawyer is Always the Best Option
Anyone with a specific interest in how their estate will be distributed when the time comes needs to consult a lawyer in Toronto in order to draw up a will. However, consulting with a lawyer in regards to the distribution of your assets is not just about deciding who gets what on the advent of your death. Consulting with the right lawyer regarding your Will, will allow you to structure your estate and financial holdings in such a way that they will be passed onto your loved ones as cost effectively as possible. In like regard, our very own estate services in Toronto can help you draw up a ‘living will’ (power of attorney for personal care) or even a power of attorney for property. This way, you can plan not only for how your estate will be dealt with after your death but also who and how will manage your financial affairs as well as your physical well-being in the event of an incapacitating disability.
What Happens if you don’t make a Will?
In Ontario, if you pass away without making any formal plans regarding how your estate should be distributed, your estate will be dealt with as per the guidelines laid out in the Ontario Succession Law Reform Act.
Because of the automatic way in which your estate will be administered under this Act, it is imperative to consult a GKLaw Toronto lawyer if you would like your estate to benefit specific family members over others.
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Why Making a Will with a Toronto Lawyer is Important
One thing to remember for those who have already made a will and those who have not, is that on the advent of marriage, the Succession Law Reform Act clearly states that a previous will becomes null and void. Divorce, however, does not revoke a will. This being the case, if you are divorced from a spouse and living with a new significant other, you need to seek advice from a lawyer in regard to how to make a new will which will ensure that your estate passes on to the people who you actually want it to.
Testate Succession
Testate succession occurs when your assets and estate pass on to people outlined in a will which you have had created. However, a will also allows you to engage in tax structured estate planning. Structured estate planning is where you and your Toronto lawyer will structure your estate in the most tax efficient way possible so as to minimize adverse tax consequences. If for example, you have a large volume of assets, you might consult with a lawyer in order to arrange the transfer of some of these assets while you are still alive. Of course, there are complicated and often changing rules surrounding income and capital gains tax of asset transfers and gifts to spouses, partners, and children. However, the right lawyer will help you navigate these, as well help you designate Estate Trustee’s to administer your estate for you
Other Benefits of Better Estate Planning
While consulting with a Toronto lawyer is essential if you would like to draw up a will, preparing a power of attorney for property or for personal care, is essential. This way, you will be able to legally mandate someone to act on your financial and/or personal behalf should you ever not be able to look after your affairs or yourself. In like regard, consulting with a lawyer is just as essential in regard to designating trustees for any part of your estate which you might leave to children under the age of 18. Just as importantly, if you have previously drawn up a will or designated certain people to have power of attorney on your behalf but your circumstances have changed, it is imperative to act now to revoke or amend such powers and your will accordingly. All of the above being the case, if you need to speak with a lawyer in Toronto regarding your will, make sure to reach out to us at GK Law today. We can help you with any matter regarding your personal estate. Even better, we pride ourselves on providing only the most courteous and professional service possible.
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Contact Info
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Email: info@gklaw.ca