What is an Estate Plan?
Estate planning involves arranging the transfer of your assets in anticipation of death and aims to secure the maximum financial package for your intended beneficiaries. It also provides you with structured and flexible financial decision making until your death. A strategic estate plan will take into account whether you have growth or non-growth assets in your asset portfolio, and will recommend strategies which will reduce liabilities and allow financial gains to beneficiaries in the future.
An estate plan often includes the drafting of a Will in a manner that is consistent with the objectives of the estate plan and with any other related contracts, such as domestic agreements between you and your spouse (e.g. marriage contracts, cohabitation contracts, etc.) or co-ownership agreements. The terms of such agreements will likely impact your estate and determine important decisions such as the division of property interests and the distribution of financial assets. It is imperative that these arrangements be taken into account so that your beneficiaries are not shouldered with substantial legal or court costs upon your death.
Estate planning also involves careful attention to the tax implications of property transfer. We work closely with experienced team of accountants and financial planners to ensure that your estate is tax-efficient and tax-optimised over the long-term, and with your beneficiaries’ interests in mind.
Our lawyers experienced in Wills and Estates can assist with:
- Will Drafting
- Estate Planning Advice and implementation
- Probating a Will / Certificate of Appointment Applications
- Trust Agreement drafting;
- Power of Attorney for Personal Care or for Property
- Joint Tenancy or Tenant-in-common changes to Property
Aura LLP is Ontario’s leading law firm in co-ownership of residential and commercial property. We have helped dozens of co-owners structure their agreements, structure their estate, and close on their perfect home. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
