Question 1

Wills

Accepted Answer

A will is a legal document that allows you to control what happens to your property and assets after you die.

A will contains:

• your name and contact information
 • the names of your beneficiaries (the people who will inherit your property)
 • your executor (the person who will be in charge of carrying out your wishes)
 • specific instructions for how you want your property to be distributed
 • any other special instructions you may have

If you die without a will, your property will be distributed according to the laws of intestate succession, which may not be in accordance with your wishes.

It is important to have a valid will in place so that your loved ones can avoid the stress and expense of probate court. We will work with you to ensure that your will is properly prepared and executed and that it reflects your wishes in every way.

Question 2

Probate

Accepted Answer

If you have been named as the executor in a will, or if you are the next of kin of someone who has died without a will, you may be responsible for handling the probate of their estate.

Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing a person's property according to their wishes. It can be a complex and stressful process, but our experienced probate lawyers can help you through it every step of the way.

Question 3

Estate Administration

Accepted Answer

If you are the executor of an estate, you may be responsible for handling the administration of the estate. This includes tasks such as:

• collecting and inventorying the deceased's assets
 • paying debts and taxes
 • selling property
 • distributing assets to the beneficiaries

We can help you with all aspects of estate administration, from start to finish. We will work with you to ensure that the estate is handled properly and in accordance with the wishes of the deceased.

Question 4

Continuing Power of Attorney for Property

Accepted Answer

A continuing power of attorney for property (CPAP) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.

A CPAP can be used to give your lawyer the power to:

• pay your bills and manage your bank accounts
 • sell your property
 • invest your money
 • make decisions about your health care

You can choose to give your lawyer as much or as little power as you want. You can also specify when the CPAP takes effect, such as if you become incapacitated due to an illness or injury.

If you become incapacitated without a CPAP in place, your loved ones will have to go to court to get someone appointed to manage your affairs. This can be a long and expensive process.

A CPAP is an important part of estate planning, and we can help you draft one that reflects your wishes in every way.

Question 5

Power of Attorney for Personal Care

Accepted Answer

A power of attorney for personal care (POAPC) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions about your personal care if you become incapacitated.

Personal care includes decisions about:

• where you will live
 • what kind of medical treatment you will receive
 • what kind of food you will eat
 • what kind of clothes you will wear

You can choose to give your lawyer as much or as little power as you want. You can also specify when the POAPC takes effect, such as if you become incapacitated due to an illness or injury.

Question 6

Non-Continuing Power of Attorney for Property

Accepted Answer

A non-continuing power of attorney for property (NCPAP) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs for a specific period of time.

An NCPAP can be used to give your lawyer the power to:

• pay your bills and manage your bank accounts
 • sell your property
 • invest your money
 • make decisions about your health care

You can choose to give your lawyer as much or as little power as you want. You can also specify when the NCPAP takes effect and when it expires.

An NCPAP is useful if you will be away from home for an extended period of time and you need someone to take care of your financial affairs while you are gone.

We can help you draft an NCPAP that reflects your wishes in every way.

Question 7

Appointment of Trustee/s with a Will

Accepted Answer

A trustee is a person who is responsible for managing the assets that are left to a beneficiary in a will.

If you are named as a trustee in a will, you may be responsible for tasks such as:

• collecting and inventorying the assets that are left to the beneficiary
 • paying debts and taxes
 • selling property
 • distributing assets to the beneficiary

We will work with you to ensure that the assets are managed properly and in accordance with the wishes of the deceased.

If you have been named a trustee and do not have a lawyer, we can help you understand your duties and responsibilities. We can also help you navigate the probate process.

Question 8

Appointment of Trustee/s without a Will

Accepted Answer

If someone dies without a will, their assets will be distributed according to the law. This can often result in the assets being distributed in a way that the deceased would not have wanted.

To prevent this, you can appoint a trustee to manage the assets that are left behind. The trustee can then distribute the assets in accordance with the deceased's wishes.

We often act as trustees for people who have died without a will. We can help you with all aspects of being a trustee, from start to finish. We will work with you to ensure that the assets are managed properly and in accordance with the wishes of the deceased.

Question 9

Talk to a Trusted Wills and Estates Lawyer in Mississauga, Ontario

Accepted Answer

Timely estate planning is crucial to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your incapacity or death. The Litigators has a team of experienced Mississauga estate lawyers who can help you with all aspects of estate planning, from drafting a will to setting up a trust. We will work with you to create an estate plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

We look forward to helping you protect your future.

Wills and Estates Law Lawyers in Mississauga, Ontario