Wills & Estate Law
Navigating the emotional period following the loss of a family member is inherently challenging; managing estate affairs during such a time should not add to the strain. At Woodstone Law, we deliver comprehensive counseling and expert guidance to ensure our clients craft wills that faithfully reflect their intentions. Our meticulous approach guarantees that your final wishes are honoured, offering your family the benefits of a well-planned legacy that reduces tax burdens and provides protections, particularly for minors.
The last will and testament are activated upon one's passing, facilitating the orderly distribution of the estate. On the other hand, a power of attorney serves a different yet equally critical role, addressing the individual's needs should they become unable to make decisions. Such documents are crucial in safeguarding personal autonomy and are a vital facet of a thoroughly constructed estate plan.
At Woodstone Law, we emphasize the significance of these documents, ensuring they are drafted with precision and foresight. Our legal services are designed to offer serenity and security, knowing that all aspects of your estate will be managed as you desire, both in life and after.
Our Services & Prices
Standard Will & POAs
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Ideal for individuals with straightforward estate planning needs. It allows flexibility and control over asset distribution, guardianship of minors, and personal directives.
Includes:
Unlimited support from our Lawyer
One Primary Will
One Power of Attorney for Property
One Power of Attorney for Personal Care
Affidavit of Execution
In-person or Virtual Signing with a Lawyer
Electronic Copies
Reporting Letter
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Starting at $599 + HST
per person
Mirror Wills & POAs
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Two separate but virtually identical wills, commonly used by spouses with with similar wishes for asset distribution, but who also want the flexibility for the surviving spouse to alter their will in the future. It's a balance between aligned estate planning and individual autonomy.
Includes:
Unlimited support from our Lawyer
Two Primary Wills
Two Power of Attorneys for Property
Two Power of Attorneys for Personal Care
Affidavit of Execution
In-person or Virtual Signing with a Lawyer
Electronic Copies
Reporting Letter
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Starting $999 + HST
per couple
Mutual Wills & POAs
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Wills made by two or more people (usually spouses) who agree to a certain distribution of assets and commit not to change their wills without mutual consent.
Best for couples who want to ensure their assets are distributed in a specific way, typically to protect the inheritance rights of children or other beneficiaries, and to prevent the surviving spouse from altering the estate plan.
Includes:
Unlimited support from our Lawyer
Two Primary Wills
Two Power of Attorneys for Property
Two Power of Attorneys for Personal Care
Affidavit of Execution
In-person or Virtual Signing with a Lawyer
Electronic Copies
Reporting Letter
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Starting $899 + HST
per couple
Power of Attorney - Personal Care
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Useful for anyone who wants to have a trusted person make personal care decisions for them if they become unable to do so. It is particularly important for older adults, those with health issues, or individuals concerned about future mental incapacity. It ensures that decisions about their personal care reflect their values and preferences.
This document enables an individual to designate someone to make personal care decisions on their behalf. This includes decisions about health care, housing, food, clothing, and safety. It is important to note that the attorney can only make these decisions if the grantor is mentally incapable of making them independently.
Package Includes:
Unlimited support from our Lawyer
One Power of Attorney for Personal Care
In-person or Virtual Signing with a Lawyer
Electronic Copies
Reporting Letter
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Starting $249 + HST
per person
Power of Attorney - Property
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This legal document allows a you to ensure that your financial matters are managed responsibly in the event you are unable to do so, due to reasons like absence, illness, or mental incapacity. It provides peace of mind that your financial affairs will be handled according to you wishes.
All you have to do is appoint a trusted individual to make decisions about your property and financial affairs which may include tasks such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, handling investments, or even selling property.
It can be for a specific period or task, or it can be enduring meaning it will become effective in the event that you become mentally incapacitated.
Package Includes:
Unlimited support from our Lawyer
One Power of Attorney for Property
In-person or Virtual Signing with a Lawyer
Electronic Copies
Reporting Letter
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Starting $249 + HST
per person
Corporate/Dual Wills (Primary and Secondary Wills) & POAs
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Used to minimize probate fees in Ontario by executing two wills for the same person: one for assets requiring probate and another for assets not needing probate.
This approach is beneficial for individuals with significant assets, especially those owning private company shares or extensive personal property, as it can lead to substantial savings in estate administration costs.
Includes:
Unlimited support from our Lawyer
One Primary Will
One Secondary Will
One Power of Attorney for Property
One Power of Attorney for Personal Care
Affidavit of Execution
In-person or Virtual Signing with a Lawyer
Electronic Copies
Reporting Letter
-
Starting $999 + HST
per person
Probate - With a Will
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Probate is the legal process where a court formally recognizes the validity of a will and grants authority to the executor named in the will to administer the deceased's estate. This process involves validating the will, assessing the estate's assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as per the will.
Probate is necessary when the deceased has left a will and owns assets that require probate to be transferred. Probate provides legal authority to the executor, clarity, and certainty for financial institutions and other organizations that they are dealing with the rightful executor. It also formally establishes the will as the valid last testament of the deceased.
Includes:
Unlimited support from a Lawyer
In-person or virtual consultation to review the will, estate assets, executor duties and strategize the next steps
Advice and calculation on Estate Administration Tax (probate tax)
Preparation and filing of Ontario probate forms (Application for Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee)
Drafting of renunciations and beneficiary consents (if applicable) and other estate court forms
Letters to banks, beneficiaries & third parties as part of probate application process
In-person or virtual signing of the probate documents
First submission to the court
Court follow up
Unlimited notarial copies of key documents
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Starting $2,199 + HST
Probate - Without a Will (Intestacy)
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When a person passes without a will in Ontario, their estate must go through the probate process. In this case, the court appoints an estate administrator, who then distributes the estate according to the prescribed legal formula outlined in the governed by the rules of intestacy under the Succession Law Reform Act, usually to the closest relatives like a spouse, children, parents, etc.
Probate is a necessary process when there is no will to dictate how the estate should be distributed. Probate in such cases provides legal authority to the administrator and ensures that the distribution of the estate's assets is done fairly and in accordance with the law. It protects the interests of potential heirs and creditors and provides a structured approach to estate settlement.
Includes:
Unlimited support from a Lawyer
In-person or virtual consultation to review the estate assets, executor duties and strategize the next steps
Review and laws of intestacy
Advice and calculation on Estate Administration Tax (probate tax)
Advertising for creditors
Preparation and filing of Ontario probate forms (Application for Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee)
Drafting of renunciations and beneficiary consents (if applicable) and other estate court forms
Drafting of affidavit/court order waiving bond requirement
Letters to banks, beneficiaries & third parties as part of probate application process
In-person or virtual signing of the probate documents
First submission to the court
Court follow-up
Unlimited notarial copies of key documents
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Starting $2,399 + HST
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At Woodstone Law, we strive to maintain transparency and clarity in our pricing structure, particularly regarding the creation and management of wills and powers of attorney. It is important for our clients to understand the nuances of our billing process, which is designed to reflect the complexity and individuality of each legal service we provide.
Our firm offers a range of wills and estate planning services at standard rates. These rates apply to services that do not require significant deviation from our typical templates and processes. In instances where clients request specific customizations or have requirements that lead to Complex or Uneven Distribution Wills and Powers of Attorney, separate and distinct fee quotes will be provided. This policy is in place because customized or complex documents often require additional legal expertise, more in-depth consultations, and a greater time commitment to ensure that they accurately reflect the unique needs and wishes of our clients.
Upon your request for such customizations, our legal team will conduct a thorough assessment of the required changes. This assessment will consider factors such as the intricacy of the estate, distribution plans, the number of beneficiaries, and any special conditions or trusts that need to be established. Following this assessment, we will provide a detailed fee quotation. This quote will outline the costs associated with drafting and finalizing the customized documents. We ensure that our clients receive a comprehensive breakdown of fees, highlighting the aspects of customization that influence the overall cost. Before proceeding with any customized legal work, we require confirmation and agreement from you, the client, regarding the provided fee quote. This step ensures that you are fully informed and comfortable with the pricing structure and the scope of the services being offered.
Clients should also be aware that changes to the scope of work, after the initial agreement, may result in additional fees. These could arise from further customization requests, additional legal consultations, or changes in the complexity of the estate planning process. We remain committed to providing high-quality legal services at competitive and fair prices. Our goal is to ensure that you, as our client, feel confident and satisfied with the legal support provided, particularly in such crucial areas as wills and estate planning.
By understanding and acknowledging these pricing disclaimers, clients can engage with our legal services with a clear perspective on the potential costs and the value of the services we offer in wills and estate planning
Get in Touch with Our Team
Contact us for a free 30-minute consultation specifically designed to address your estate planning needs. Our team is dedicated to understanding your individual needs and offering practical advice. We are devoted to crafting bespoke solutions that align with your unique estate management objectives while ensuring meticulous support at every stage of the process. We invite you to arrange a consultation with us, allowing us to assist you in the most effective way possible.
Receive Your Retainer Package
Upon agreeing to proceed, you will be provided with our retainer package accompanied by an in-depth questionnaire. This questionnaire is structured to gather essential background information pertinent to your estate planning requirements. We kindly request that you meticulously review the contents of the retainer package, duly sign the requisite agreements, and carefully complete the questionnaire regarding your estate and personal directives and wishes.
Our Process
Finalizing Your Documents
Upon your approval of the drafts, we will arrange a meeting, either in-person or virtual, at your convenience. During this scheduled session, a lawyer will oversee the formal signing and completion of your estate documents. You will be provided with both the original signed copy of the documents as well as with an electronic version for your records. Additionally, within two weeks following the signing, you will receive a comprehensive report of the services completed and future recommendations.
Document Preparation and Review
