Wills and Estates Law
Planning ahead with respect to your personal affairs can save your family problems and expense. That is why having a properly drafted Will and Power of Attorney may be one of the most important things you do. A properly drafted Will can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and benefit the people you care about while maximizing what you leave to your beneficiaries. We can expertly guide you through Wills and Estate matters including:
- Wills
We can assist you in drafting simple or complex Wills, or updating your current Will as circumstances in your life change, such as the birth of a child, a death in the family, marriages, divorces, a disabled person requiring a trust and property acquisitions. We understand that each situation is unique and requires us to listen carefully to ensure your wishes are met. Having a Will is essential, no matter what the size of your estate. - Estate Administration (also known as Probate)
If you are appointed as an estate trustee (previously known as an “executor”) you are responsible for ensuring the estate is distributed properly. We realize that being an estate trustee can be time-consuming and you may have to handle complex issues, all during a very emotional time. We will guide you through the entire process and make sure everything is completed properly and expeditiously. - Power of Attorney for Property and Personal Care (Living Wills)
A power of attorney will protect you and your wishes in the event that you become unable to make important decisions while you are alive. Basically the purpose of a power of attorney is to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf about health care and personal care as well as your financial affairs. We will ensure that all your wishes are properly and carefully recorded and communicated.
Real Estate Matters
Buying or selling a home can be both exciting and overwhelming. It is one of the largest financial transactions of our lives and can come with substantial risk. As a real estate lawyer it is my responsibility to protect your interests in such a transaction. We pay close attention to all the details when you are buying or selling a house, condominium or cottage to ensure that your interests are protected in all situations. Our fees are reasonable and we will provide details of your closing costs so there are no surprises. We will also promptly respond to any questions you or your realtor may have throughout the transaction. We provide you with personalized legal advice on your Real Estate matters including:
- The Purchase of Residential Properties (houses and condos)
I will personally review your Agreement of Purchase and Sale with you to ensure your full understanding of this legal contract. If you are buying a condominium I will review the Status Certificate in a timely manner. I will search and review the title of the property you are buying to see if there are any concerns that need to be resolved before closing such as any mortgages, executions or liens. We prepare the Statement of Adjustments to ensure accurate financials for your closing. If you are getting a mortgage we will need to communicate with the mortgage company and arrange for the necessary funds for the closing date. I will then meet with you to go over the closing documents in detail and have you sign-off. I will attend to the actual closing, register you as the owner with a clear title, and protect your title with title insurance. I will then email you a Reporting Letter summarizing the closing. - The Sale of a Residential Properties (houses and condos)
I will personally review your Agreement of Purchase and Sale with you to ensure your full understanding of this legal contract. We will then prepare the Deed to the buyer and the Statement of Adjustments to prepare the financials for your closing. If you have a mortgage, I will discharge it. I will then meet with you to go over the closing documents in detail before signing. I will attend to the actual closing and transfer the property to the new owner and make sure you receive your closing funds. I will then email you a Reporting Letter summarizing the closing. - Refinance/Mortgages
If you want to renew or replace your mortgage we will review the title of your property along with other investigations to satisfy the lender and title insurer that the loans can be advanced. The existing mortgage will be discharged and I will arrange for the new mortgage company to provide the necessary funds for the closing date. We will then meet with you to go over the documents in detail before signing. We will attend the closing and ensure the appropriate funds are exchanged and that the new mortgage is registered. I will then email you a Reporting Letter to you and the lender. - Pre-Construction Contracts
Pre-construction contracts for both freehold houses and condominium’s contain terms that can cause you serious problems and cost you thousands of dollars if you are not aware of them. I will review these contracts for you so you know what to expect; there may be terms in the contract that make the property not suitable for you or that need to be changed.