Wills & Estate Planning

Having a proper will and powers of attorney in place is one of the most meaningful and responsible things you can do for yourself and the people you love.

Overview

Our Wills & Estate Services

01

Will Drafting

We prepare a will that is clear, legally sound under Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act, and tailored to you — addressing executors, distribution to beneficiaries, guardianship of minor children, and specific bequests.

02

Power of Attorney for Property

Authorize a trusted person to manage your finances and property if you become unable to. Without one, your family may face a costly guardianship application. We draft and execute these under the Substitute Decisions Act.

03

Power of Attorney for Personal Care

Designate someone to make medical and personal-care decisions on your behalf — healthcare, housing, nutrition and hygiene — ensuring the person who knows your wishes best has legal authority to act.

04

Probate & Estate Administration

We assist executors through the full Ontario probate process — applying for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, preparing estate accounts, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, and navigating Estate Administration Tax.

05

Estate Planning for Business Owners

Business succession planning protects continuity, minimizes tax exposure and prevents disputes. We work alongside your accountant and financial advisor to structure a comprehensive plan.

Why It Can't Wait

Without a valid will, Ontario's intestacy rules govern your estate — which may not align with your wishes.
Without Powers of Attorney, your family may be forced into costly court proceedings to manage your affairs.
Probate fees in Ontario can be significant; proper planning can minimize the financial burden on your estate.
A clearly drafted will dramatically reduces the risk of family conflict and costly estate litigation.
Estate Planning Checklist

Your checklist

  1. 1.Draft or update your will after any major life event — marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or death of a beneficiary.
  2. 2.Appoint a trusted executor and a successor executor.
  3. 3.Execute both a Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care.
  4. 4.Review your estate plan every three to five years, or whenever Ontario estate law changes significantly.
  5. 5.Discuss your wishes openly with your executor and close family members.
Common Questions

Quick answers to what clients ask us most. Have a different question? We're glad to help.

There is no legal requirement, but a lawyer-drafted will is strongly advisable — especially for blended families, business owners, or anyone with minor children. We ensure your will is valid under Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act and truly reflects your wishes.

Your estate is distributed by a rigid statutory formula under the Succession Law Reform Act, not your wishes — and common-law partners do not automatically inherit. A will lets you choose your executor, beneficiaries and guardians for minor children.

Yes. A will takes effect on death; powers of attorney protect you during your lifetime if you become incapable. We recommend a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care alongside your will.

Probate is usually required when the deceased owned real estate solely (not in joint tenancy), or when banks and financial institutions require a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee before releasing assets. We guide executors through the full process.

For most estate planning services we offer competitive flat-rate pricing, often as a will and powers of attorney package, so you know exactly what to expect before we begin.

Protect what matters most. Book an estate planning consultation with Tokas Lex today.