Competence, Caring And Compassion.
This Is What You Will Find At Foote Law.
We are an Orangeville family law firm committed to providing exceptional legal services and we are expanding. We can now help you create a Last Will & Testament as part of our suite of family law services. You will find a team ready to help guide you or a loved one through the process of formalizing final wishes. A team dedicated to doing so with competency, caring and a compassionate touch.
Are you one of almost half of the Canadians that does not have a Will?
The process of drafting a Last Will and Testament, as well as the documentation that is required to do so, is minimal. The costs for the preparation of a Will are affordable. The presence of a Will can provide significant peace of mind to the loved ones of those who have passed on. With all of the key decisions made in advance, and the variety of situations that may arise after death, a Last Will and Testament directs and guides family or caregivers through the process.
What Are The Consequences Of Dying Without A Last Will and Testament?
● Your death will be considered “intestate” . Meaning simply, you died without having a Last Will and Testament.
● The Ontario Government, and not you or your loved ones, will determine how your estate is distributed. The Succession Law Reform Act is the Ontario legislation that will direct the disposition of your assets.
● If you are married your spouse may benefit from the proceeds of your Estate but only if the marriage is legal and certified.
● If your living arrangement is a common law relationship, your Estate is at risk and your common law spouse is not necessarily your guaranteed successor.
Why Should You Have A Last Will and Testament?
Perhaps by now, you realize the importance of having a Will without us stating what seems obvious. However, it is prudent not only to highlight the consequences of not having a Will but also to remind you of why you should:
● If you have dependents, you should have a Will.
● If you own property of any kind, you should have a Will.
● If you have holdings and investments, large or small, you should have a Will.
● If you are married or cohabitating with a partner, you should have a Will.
● In summary, all persons over the age of 18 years, should have a Last Will and Testament. We can help!
What Is A Living Will?
A Living Will is a document that allows you to clearly state your intentions regarding the manner of your death, should you be seriously injured, completely incapacitated and/or otherwise unable to decide regarding your ongoing medical care. An example might include where a team of physicians has determined your chances of survival with, or without long term repercussions, is minimal. A Living Will, articulated in writing before a situation of terminal illness occurs, ensures your wishes to remain or not to remain on life-support will be honored. It specifically relates to your medical care and when you would wish to have medical care terminated.
What Foote Law Can Do?
Foote Law now provides complete Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate Services for your family to ensure that all decisions regarding the equitable distribution of your assets, will be on your terms. In a relatively short amount of time our team will be able to:
● Provide you with legal protection, even after your death, by ensuring your Estate is distributed according to your wishes.
● Assist your family because a Will helps to ensure your loved ones are protected and cared for and helps ease the burden of any post-death decision making.
● Support you directly, or with the assistance of tax or financial planning experts, in protecting and designating your financial assets in the most effective and responsible manner. Accounting for the future care plans and even education of your loved ones, while also minimizing any tax burden on you now or post death.
● Help direct and document the instituting of a Legal Guardian for children under the age of 18 or persons with disabilities of any age, who cannot live alone and who are under your care and control.
● Ensure you are allowed the opportunity to specifically itemize possessions of value or meaning (emotional or financial) to those who you have determined will treasure and value them most.
Can I Change My Mind?
While a Will is a legally binding document, a Will also recognizes that circumstances do change throughout our lives. Regardless of your exact situation, a Last Will & Testament can be changed with an amendment to the document, termed a “Codicil.”
You may not have to change the entirety of the Will. A codicil may be enough for you to override any provisions of the original Will, whether designated wishes or financial plans, provided it is done so properly, and signed and witnessed accordingly.
Alternatively, you might choose to revoke an entire Will and create a new one. Part of the responsibility of Foote Law would be to ensure that your Last Will and Testament does reflect your final wishes, even when it is being changed, and that you are not under any duress or coercion when signing documents
Orangeville Family Lawyer – Last Will and Testament
If you live in Orangeville, or the surrounding area, and want to know that your family will be secure after your passing, then reach out today! We will ensure that your assets are handled properly, and save your family the potential greif of fighting over them.
Call today or click the contact us button below to learn how Foote Law in Orangeville can help you with your Last Will & Testament, so you can feel comfotable knowing that after you pass away, your loved ones will be taken care of properly.
