A power of attorney grants someone else the legal authority to act for you. They can be very useful for older people, but also for anyone who has any business or affairs that may need attending to, and a trusted person to act. It can be a specific power of attorney granting authority in only certain areas, or a general one granting authority in all areas. It can take effect immediately or at some time in the future, or just for a specified period. We can meet with you to prepare a power of attorney that suits your needs.
A Health Care Directive, sometimes referred to as a “living will”, is a document that tells your loved ones and your medical professionals what you want to happen in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself due to illness, injury, etc. For example, you can specify that you do not want to be kept alive on life support in the event that you become so ill that there is no chance of recovery. We can advise you to help you decide whether a Health Care directive is right for you, and if so, what type will suit your wishes.
Probating and Administrating Estates
Have you been appointed an executor under a Will? Our office can assist you with the legal process of administering and distributing a deceased person’s property and estate when they pass away. We can help to ensure that the legal obligations that can result in personal liability on the part of the executor or personal representative are properly dealt with so that you have peace of mind knowing that the deceased person’s wishes have been carried out.
Our services include the following:
Locating, reviewing and interpreting the Will
Notifying and confirming the executor and
Ensuring the beneficiaries are properly identified
Assembling inventory, assets and liabilities
Preparing probate or administration documentation for submission to the court
Cancelling old age security, pension benefits and guaranteed income supplement
Ensuring all tax returns and tax remittances have been made
Preparing detailed list of all assets and liabilities
Investigating and paying all debts
Completing appropriate insurance forms
Distributing funds in accordance with the terms of the Will
Transmitting property held on a joint tenancy,
and all other aspects of Estate administration.
Our office works closely with financial institutions in Saskatoon to make sure that the administration of the Estate is done in the most cost effective and timely manner.
Call or email us using the contact information on this website to set up an appointment to talk with us.
Family Trusts and Estate Planning
Estate planning is a critical part of planning for the future and creates peace of mind for you and your families when done properly. Our office provides effective estate planning to ensure that your estate is distributed as you wish to avoid family conflict or tax exposure.
We provide the following services:
Wills
Powers of Attorney
Heath care Directives
Living Wills
Personal/ Property Guardianship applications
The right estate plan minimizes taxes and probate fees so that your beneficiaries receive their maximum entitlement to your estate. Our office works with other estate professionals including your accountant or financial planner to ensure that your Will reflects closely your entire estate plan, to ensure that your intentions will be carried out properly and cost effectively. We provide these services at a reasonable price and often, on a flat fee basis.
Personal/Property Guardianship and Co-Decision-Making Applications
A guardianship application may be necessary if there is an adult who needs assistance with personal and/or property matters but may not have the capacity to appoint someone under a power of attorney. We can help by meeting with you to determine what kind of application is best for your situation, deal with medical and other professionals, the office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, prepare and file all the necessary court documentation, and make any necessary court appearances on your behalf.
