Wills Lawyer in Calgary
Ensuring Maximum Benefit To Your 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 estate lawyers offer estate planning options that minimize tax burdens and preserve wealth for your loved ones.
- DMF“Gary Kirk and his assistant Laura Chow are very professional and kind. While I was in the office of Kirk Montoute, Gary and Laura helped me to feel at ease while I was updating my Will and Personal Directive. I found that they are both empathetic listeners and gave me good advice with my well-being in mind. I am grateful that they made an emotionally charged process flow smoothly for me and leave me feeling satisfied with my decisions regarding my Will and Personal Directive.”
The 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, including 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.
Assisting You with Complex Estate Planning Matters
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.
WHY WORK WITH US
Why Trust Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP as Your Wills Lawyer in Calgary
Decades of Trusted Legal Support in Drafting Wills
For decades, our estate lawyers have helped clients draft clear, legally sound wills that reflect their wishes and protect their loved ones. We offer the support you need to navigate the will-planning process with confidence and peace of mind.
Knowledgeable Wills Lawyers
Our knowledgeable wills lawyers provide legal guidance in drafting wills, and assist you with related estate planning matters such as establishing trusts and creating powers of attorney. We ensure that your wishes are accurately reflected and legally sound.
Legal Support Tailored to Your Needs
We understand that drafting a will is a significant and personal matter. Our team is dedicated to offering empathetic guidance, transparent communication, and tailored legal solutions, helping you feel assured and well-informed every step of the way.
Legal Articles, News & Insights
Explore our extensive collection of resources and articles, carefully curated to provide valuable insights into wills and estate matters. Whether you're seeking information or guidance, our resources are here to help. Browse below to find the answers and support you need.
In Alberta, a Grant of Probate is the Surrogate Court's certification that the will submitted by the Personal Representative meets the formal requirements of a will as set out in the Wills and Succession Act and is the last will executed by the ...
What is the effect of a will that is not valid or only partially valid, or where there is no will (intestacy)? Your estate may be divided among people you would not otherwise name as beneficiaries in your will. Wills and Succession Act...
CONTACT US
Tell Us Your Story
If you have an estate planning-related matter to discuss and would like to consult with one of our wills lawyers in Calgary, we're here to listen and provide the advice you need.
Call us toll-free at 877-563-5295. If you’re in Calgary, call 403-233-9300 or contact us online to book an appointment with a Calgary wills lawyer.