At Verhaeghe Law, our Edmonton wills and estates lawyers have a wide variety of experience in wills, estates, and trusts and are eager to help you with all your legal needs. With a reputation for being a client-centric law firm that treats our clients like family, you can feel confident when you choose to work with our legal professionals.
Schedule a consultation with one of our Edmonton wills and estate lawyers today by calling 587-410-2500 or by contacting us online. Our legal team is proud to serve clients who reside in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, St. Albert, Athabasca, Red Deer North and surrounding areas.
Why Do I Need a Wills and Estates Lawyer?
Planning an estate involves more than simply drafting a will– it requires careful consideration of legal, financial, and personal factors to ensure that all your needs are met and protected. A wills and estates lawyer can provide critical guidance throughout this process by offering knowledge that goes beyond standard forms or templates.
Here’s why working with a wills and estates lawyer can be beneficial:
- You Can Avoid Mistakes or Legal Pitfalls: Estate planning involves complex laws that can vary by jurisdiction. A lawyer will ensure that your will is properly drafted, executed, and updated to reflect any changes in your life. This can help you avoid costly mistakes that render your will invalid or cause disputes.
- Understanding Taxes and Fees: An experienced lawyer can help you implement strategies to alleviate the tax burden on your estate and help you efficiently distribute your assets.
- Customized Planning: Every family situation is unique, and a lawyer can provide tailored solutions. This will be the case whether you have a blended family, dependents with special needs, or significant assets that require specialized planning, such as trusts.
- Handling Disputes and Litigation: If disputes arise over the contents of your will or estate, an experienced lawyer can help mediate or litigate these conflicts.
Engaging a knowledgeable Edmonton wills and estates lawyer provides peace of mind that your estate will be managed according to your wishes, helping to safeguard your legacy and providing clarity for your loved ones.
Our Services
Verhaeghe Law’s wills and estates lawyers in Edmonton offer a comprehensive range of services to help you plan and manage your estate effectively. If you require assistance navigating the complexities of estate law, our team is here to help.
We can assist with matters that involve:
- Wills
- Powers of attorney
- Personal directives
- Complete instruments of conveyance
- Applying for probate of the will when necessary
- Preparing and obtaining receipts for inheritances delivered
- Arranging for registration of assets in the name of the executor
- Estate and trust disputes
- Estate litigation
- Settling of estates
- Estate planning solutions
- Estate and trust administration
- Estate court applications
- Minimizing tax and probate fees
- Charitable planning
- Property succession
- Providing for beneficiaries with special needs
- Using life insurance policies in an estate plan
- High net-worth estate planning
- Living trusts and inter vivos trusts
- Domestic contracts and family law planning
- Private foundations
- Incapacity planning for property and personal care
- Trust variations
- Passing of accounts
- Guardianship matters
- And more
Please note this list is not exhaustive and we are equipped to handle almost all types of legal needs for wills and estates matters. For legal advice tailored to your unique situation, call our Edmonton wills and estates lawyers today at 587-410-2500 or contact us online.
What is a Will and Why is it Important to Have One?
A will is the legal statement of a person’s last wishes about how to divide his or her property after death. This property is referred to as your estate. Sometimes, will planning can also be called estate planning.
While it is optional and voluntary whether you create a will, it is very important to consider doing so. In the case that you pass without an official will, you are said to have died “intestate.” As a result, Alberta’s Wills and Succession Act will determine how your assets get distributed. It may also determine which of your family members become the legal guardians of your children, if you have any.
In addition, when your will is not officially overseen by a witness and designated an executor, it can easily be contested as false. This is often the case when your estate plan is only expressed by word of mouth or through a personal document. As a result, your family could face lengthy legal proceedings, and your belongings may not be divided according to your wishes.
At Verhaeghe Law, our Edmonton wills lawyers are dedicated to making the creation or management of your will as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Creating a Valid Will in Edmonton
A valid will typically includes several important components. In Edmonton and the rest of Alberta, there are two main types of living wills that you can create:
- A Formal or ‘Attested’ Will: This type of will must be overseen by two witnesses and must be completely typewritten or printed.
- A Holographic Will: This type of will is created and signed by only you, and must be completely handwritten. A holographic will does not require any witnesses.
Anyone over the age of 18 can create a will. It is optimal to undertake this process while you are in good health and of sound mind, as your will may only be valid if you were mentally capable during its creation.
Throughout your life, you may need to change your will. Although it may seem tedious to keep your will up to date at all times, once the bulk of the foundational work is completed, your Verhaeghe Law wills lawyer can make changes for you simple.
Why Work with Our Edmonton Wills and Estates Lawyers?
When planning for the future, making sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of is essential. At Verhaeghe Law, our experienced Edmonton wills and estates lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of estate planning, wills, and probate law with clarity and compassion. Let us help you secure your future and safeguard your family’s interests.
Our team of legal professionals can assist you in a variety of ways, including:
- We put the needs and best interests of our clients first
- We treat clients like family
- We make sure our clients clearly understand all available options so they can make informed decisions
- We are proud Albertans who take pride in helping our clients in Edmonton and other regions with their family law matters
- We respond to client inquiries promptly
- We have 3 Best Rated for Excellence awards
Contact Our Wills and Estates Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one need legal guidance, contact our Edmonton wills and estates lawyers today to schedule a consultation with our legal team. We have offices in Athabasca, Whitecourt, and Edmonton. Call 587-410-2500 or contact us through our website to get in touch and get your case started. Our offices are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and our team is standing by to speak with you.