ESTATE PLANNING & WILL DRAFTING LAWYER IN MISSISSAUGA: JOSEPH A. TANIMOWO-REYES

Planning For The Future Shouldn't Be Complicated.

Nobody particularly enjoys thinking about what happens after they’re gone, but putting off your will or estate plan can leave important decisions in someone else’s hands.

Whether you’re preparing your first will, updating an existing one, or arranging powers of attorney, I’ll help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Together, we’ll put your wishes in writing and address the details that matter to you and your family.

My Estate Planning Services include:

Do You Really Need A Will In Ontario?

A will isn’t something you should only think about when you’re older, retired, or financially comfortable.

If you own a home, have children, operate a business, have savings, or simply want to decide who receives your property, having a properly prepared will is worth considering.

Without a valid will, Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act generally determines how your estate is distributed.

That means the people who inherit your assets may not necessarily be the people you would have chosen.

There may also be additional complications when someone needs to apply to the court for authority to administer your estate.

A will allows you to identify beneficiaries, appoint an estate trustee, and provide instructions for managing and distributing your estate.

More importantly, it can help reduce uncertainty for your loved ones at a time when they’re already dealing with a loss.

What Is Estate Planning And Why Does It Matter?

Estate planning involves more than deciding who gets your house, savings, or personal belongings.

It’s about understanding your financial and family circumstances and putting appropriate legal arrangements in place for the future.

For example, what happens if you’re unable to manage your finances because of illness or injury? Who would make certain personal care decisions if you couldn’t make them yourself?

What happens to your business interests? And have you considered whether your beneficiary designations are consistent with your will?

A comprehensive estate plan may involve several documents and considerations, including:

Your Last Will and Testament
Continuing Power of Attorney for Property
Power of Attorney for Personal Care
Beneficiary designations
Jointly owned assets
Estate administration and tax considerations
Arrangements for children and dependants

Ontario legislation, including the Succession Law Reform Act and Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, establishes important rules governing wills and substitute decision-making.

I’ll help you understand which documents are appropriate for your circumstances and how they work together.

How Does Will Drafting Work In Ontario?

The process begins with a conversation about your circumstances and what you want your will to accomplish.

We’ll discuss your family, assets, beneficiaries, financial responsibilities, and who you would trust to administer your estate.

I’ll also ask about any circumstances that might require additional planning, such as a blended family, business ownership, property outside Ontario, or a dependant who may need ongoing support.

Once I understand your instructions, I’ll prepare the appropriate documents and review them with you.

Ontario has specific legal requirements for signing and witnessing a formal will. I’ll explain those requirements and help arrange the appropriate execution process.

My goal is to make sure you understand what you’re signing and how the documents reflect your wishes.

When Should You Update Your Will Or Estate Plan?

Your circumstances can change considerably over time.

A will prepared several years ago may no longer reflect your family relationships, financial situation, or personal priorities.

You should consider reviewing your estate plan following major life events, including:

Marriage or entering a new relationship
Separation or divorce
The birth or adoption of a child
Purchasing or selling significant property
Starting or selling a business
The death of a beneficiary or estate trustee
Significant changes in your financial circumstances

Ontario’s estate laws have also changed over time.

For example, marriage no longer automatically revokes an existing will, while separation and divorce can have different legal consequences.

Rather than assuming your existing documents still accomplish what you intended, having them reviewed can help identify potential problems.

What To Expect With Me As Your Estate Planning Lawyer:

Estate planning can involve conversations about family relationships, financial matters, and decisions that aren’t always easy to make.

I’ll take the time to understand what matters to you and explain your options in language that makes sense.

You’ll work directly with me throughout the process, from our initial discussion to reviewing and signing your documents.

I’ll also explain the scope of the work, applicable fees, and expected next steps so you know what to anticipate.

Where appropriate, we can discuss the availability of Spanish-language assistance.

Pricing For Estate Planning / Will Drafting Services

Disbursements and HST apply to all fees. Services will be performed by a duly licenced lawyer.

My Fees:

NOTE: The following fees are for simple wills and simple powers of attorney only and should be considered as ‘starting from’ prices. Any work requiring more involvement on my behalf will need to be further assessed by me and a pricing quote will be provided to you.

Single PErson:

Simple Will: $500.00

Single power of attorney: $200.00

Bundle (simple will + 2 POAs): $750.00

Spouses:

Simple mirror wills: $800.00

Bundle (2 simple wills, 4 POAs): $1400.00

All listed fees afford just one consultation, one simple revision, and the signing meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Planning in Ontario:

Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Ontario?

Ontario law doesn’t require every will to be prepared by a lawyer.

However, working with a lawyer can help ensure your wishes are clearly documented, legal execution requirements are addressed, and important issues involving beneficiaries, dependants, and estate administration are considered.

What happens if I die without a will in Ontario?

If you die without a valid will, Ontario’s intestacy rules generally determine who inherits your estate and the distribution depends on your family circumstances.

Someone may also need to apply to the court for authority to administer the estate.

What's the difference between a will and a power of attorney?

A will generally takes effect upon death and directs how your estate should be administered.

A power of attorney allows someone to make specified decisions on your behalf during your lifetime, subject to the document and applicable law.

Can I change my will after it's signed?

Yes.

Provided you have the required legal capacity, you can generally replace or amend your will.

Changes must comply with applicable legal requirements.

Who should I appoint as my estate trustee?

Your estate trustee should be someone you trust to manage financial responsibilities, communicate with beneficiaries, and carry out the administration of your estate.

You should also consider their willingness, availability, and ability to handle the role.

Does my will cover all my property and financial accounts?

Not necessarily.

Certain jointly owned assets, registered accounts, and insurance policies with valid beneficiary designations may pass outside your estate.

These arrangements should be reviewed as part of your overall estate plan.

Does my will cover property located outside of Ontario?

An Ontario will cannot exert control over property located outside of Ontario.

In such cases, a separate will is required for that jurisdiction.

I can work with a lawyer of your choice in that jurisdiction to ensure you are covered in such a case, and to ensure the wills properly reference each other.

Where should I store my will?

Wills should be stored in a safe location that others would know where to look.

However, they should not be stored in a safety deposit box at a bank, or any similar setup, because families usually need the will to gain access to a safety deposit box.

Many law firms offer to store wills at an additional cost.

Unfortunately, I do not offer that service.

Do you assist in the assist in the administration of estates?

Unfortunately, estate administration services are a specialty service and we do not offer it.

How much does it cost to prepare a will in Mississauga?

The cost depends on the documents required and the complexity of your circumstances.

A straightforward will may involve less work than planning for blended families, business interests, or multiple properties.