Wills and Estates
Wills and Estates in Ottawa
At Bunning & Farnand, we provide practical legal guidance for wills and estates in Ottawa. Whether you are creating a will, preparing for the future, dealing with real estate matters, or handling probate, our experienced team provides clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances. We help you understand your options, protect your wishes, and take the right legal steps with confidence. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
Wills and Powers of Attorney
One of our core services is the preparation of wills. We offer both standard wills, ideal for individuals or couples seeking a simple and cost-effective solution, and customized wills, such as limited wills for clients with holding companies or more complex estate needs.
We strongly recommend that clients also prepare powers of attorney at the same time as their wills. These legal documents allow you to appoint trusted individuals to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf, should you become unable to do so.
For clients with physically challenged adult children, we recommend including a Henson Trust clause in the will. This helps ensure that the inheritance is protected without affecting eligibility for government benefits.
Service | Costs | Includes:¹ |
|---|---|---|
Will Package (One Person) | $550.00 + HST | One Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney for Property (Financial), and Power of Attorney for Personal Care (Medical) |
Will Package (Couple) | $750.00 + HST | Everything in our standard Will package tailored for two people in a domestic relationship. |
Corporate Will (Add-On) | $300.00 + HST | A second Will dealing only with your corporate holdings. Corporate Wills are recommended by accountants for anyone with more than $500k in corporate assets to insulate shareholdings from potential probate fees. |
Powers of Attorney Only | $200.00 + HST | One Power of Attorney for Property (Financial), and Power of Attorney for Personal Care (Medical) |
¹House and hospital visits are available within Ottawa for an additional fee, based on appointment length and distance travelled.
Contact our office to request our fillable will information form to get started on drafting your documents.
Why Have a Will?
A will allows you to set out your wishes for how your estate should be handled after your death. Without a properly prepared will, your estate may be distributed according to applicable laws rather than your personal preferences.
A well-prepared will can help you:
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Name the person or people you want to manage your estate.
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Identify who should receive your assets.
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Provide instructions for specific gifts or property.
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Make your wishes easier for your family to understand.
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Reduce potential confusion during estate administration.
Have questions? Explore our FAQs for answers to common legal questions.
Wills and Estate Planning Services
A will is an important part of an estate plan, but there are several other matters to consider. Our team can assist with a range of legal services related to wills and estates in Ottawa, including:
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Will preparation: Create a clear and legally sound will that reflects your wishes and provides clear instructions for how your assets should be distributed.
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Estate planning: Organize your affairs and consider how your assets should be managed and transferred to your beneficiaries in the future.
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Power of attorney: Put appropriate arrangements in place for financial or personal decisions if you become unable to make important decisions on your own.
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Estate administration: Assist with the legal responsibilities involved in settling an estate, including addressing debts, assets, beneficiaries, and other required matters.
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Probate matters: Provide guidance through the probate process when court approval is required, helping estate representatives understand and complete the necessary legal steps.
Estate Administration and Probate
With decades of experience in drafting wills, Bunning & Farnand also offers extensive expertise in the probate and administration of estates. We regularly advise executors on their legal responsibilities and, where needed, can assume the role of executor ourselves.
The process can feel complicated, particularly when you are already dealing with the loss of someone close to you. Bunning & Farnand can provide guidance throughout the process and help you understand your responsibilities as an estate representative.
We have successfully probated over 2,500 wills, each through the process of obtaining a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee or Small Estate Certificate, allowing executors to administer the estate legally and effectively.
In addition, we have experience litigating wills that were ambiguously or improperly prepared, often by non-professionals, and can help prevent such complications through clear, legally sound drafting.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Bunning & Farnand today. We are here to provide peace of mind with trusted wills and estate services in Ottawa, from thoughtful planning to efficient estate administration.
