Wills & Estates

WPJ&K has been practicing succession law for over 35 years.
The firm’s wills and estates practice includes:
  • Drafting of wills, testamentary and inter vivos trusts
  • Dual will arrangements
  • Powers of attorney for both property and personal care
  • Probate applications (Certificates of Appointment of Estate Trustee)
  • Extensive estate administration services, including estate accounting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are powers of attorney?

There are two types of powers of attorney in Ontario. With a power of attorney for property, you name someone who will manage your property (i.e. your assets), and pay your bills. With a power of attorney for personal care, you name someone who will make your health and welfare decisions when you are no longer able to do so yourself.

Q. I have a will kit; do I really need a lawyer to do my will?

A will must meet certain requirements in order to be considered legally valid. Although it is not a requirement to have your will drafted by a lawyer, retaining a lawyer to do so is prudent because a lawyer can ensure both that your will meets these requirements and that it is appropriately tailored to your individual situation.

Q. Who should have a will?

It is appropriate and advisable for almost every adult to have a will. Although the law provides a basic scheme which will divide your assets between your closest relatives without a will, administering such an estate is frequently more expensive, time-consuming, and litigious than if the same scheme had been implemented by a will.