Wills Lawyer in Calgary
Ensuring Maximum Benefit To Loved Ones
A will is a crucial document for everyone. Taking the time to discuss your preferences for the distribution of your assets and personal effects with a lawyer gives you the assurance that your directions will be followed. When a lawyer drafts your will, you will have peace of mind that your will meets the formal requirements of the Wills and Succession Act (Alberta) and your legal and moral obligations. You also minimize the risk of court scrutiny and variation of your will after your death.
Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP is a Calgary law firm focused on resolving legal disputes in estate and family law. Our will and testament lawyers can offer options in estate planning that minimize tax burdens and preserve wealth for your loved ones.
Benefits Of Having A Will
Even for individuals with modest assets, engaging in the estate planning process and having a will is essential. If there is no will, the estate is distributed according to government guidelines on behalf of a deceased person. In this case, the person you may have chosen to receive your property after death may not, in fact, be the primary beneficiary of your assets. Conversely, someone you would not have named as a beneficiary, including the provincial government, may receive a portion or all of your estate. In addition to establishing your wishes for asset distribution, you can appoint a guardian, including alternate guardians, for your children under the age of 18. Comprehensive wills can ensure proper provision if you have dependents with unique care needs. It’s also important to consider setting up enduring power(s) of attorney and personal directive(s). These legal documents can be put in place to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. These decisions can include areas surrounding your financial affairs, your health-related wishes, and medical care. This comprehensive approach ensures that your estate matters are handled according to your wishes and safeguards the well-being of your family members.
Utilizing A Full Range Of Estate Planning Tools
At Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP, our team of estate lawyers has extensive experience. We serve Albertans with a wide range of business and personal interests, creating strong relationships with our clients and helping them with their affairs. We recommend specific strategies for estate planning, including business success, transfer of farmland, and preservation of freehold mineral interests. We also offer information about American estate tax liability for our clients with financial interests in the U.S. Depending on your unique needs and goals, we may recommend a family trust, spousal trust, or spendthrift trust to ensure your wealth is transferred and preserved to the greatest extent possible. Should estate matters become complex or disputes arise, our skilled estate lawyers are equipped to provide expert guidance and representation.
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Estate Planning Lawyers: Serving Calgary and Area
To learn more about the estate planning services at Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP and the work of our will and testament lawyers in Calgary, contact us for a consultation.
To consult with a member of our Alberta firm, call us toll-free at 877-563-5295. In Calgary, call 403-233-9300 or contact us online to book an appointment.
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The lawyers and staff at Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP work collaboratively to maintain a client-focused legal practice.