Lorway MacEachern McLeod Burke has a wealth of experience in preparing wills, power of attorneys and personal directives.
A Will is a written declaration that gives us the right to predetermine what will happen to our property after we die, and is effective only upon our death. Generally speaking, a Will is valid in Nova Scotia if the following characteristics are present:
For further information, please contact a member of the Lorway MacEachern McLeod Burke Wills and Estates Practice Group
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why Is It Important to Have A Will?
A Will provides you with peace of mind that your estate will be distributed in accordance with your wishes. If you die without a will your estate will disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Intestate Succession Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 236 and it is possible that your property will be passed to someone you did not intend to benefit.
A Will permits you to appoint a guardian if you have any minor children. If you die intestate, it is possible that the guardian may be appointed by the court, and may be somebody that you would not have appointed yourself.
If you have a will, you may appoint an executor who will distribute your estate in accordance to your wishes. If you die intestate, an administrator must be appointed and there will be a requirement for this individual to put up a bond. Having confidence in your Executor, you may stipulate in your Will that your Executor will not be required to post a Bond, thereby avoiding the expense and delays typically created when an Executor must post a Bond.
When Should I Revise My Will?
Generally speaking, changes in your circumstances, or the circumstances of people mentioned in your Will may call for a change in your Will. For example: –
Estate Planning
A detailed process involving creation of trusts, and consultation with chartered accountants to maximize tax savings. This service is billed on an hourly basis.