ALBERTA AND THE PROCESS OF PROBATING WILLS

1.     What is probate? Probate is the process by which your Will is submitted to a probate court and your Executor is formally appointed. A Grant of Probate is the Surrogate Court’s certification that the Will submitted meets the requirements set out in the Wills and Succession Act and is the last Will and Testament of the […]

I AM ONLY IN MY 30’S, WHY DO I NEED AN ESTATE PLAN?

It is a common sentiment for people to assume because they “don’t own much” there is no need for them to have an estate plan in place. But whether or not you have “significant” assets, you likely have a bank account, a vehicle, credit cards, and so forth. To be able to access these assets, […]

WHY DO I NEED A WILL?

A will leaves clear written instructions regarding your final wishes as a “testator”. It provides directions as to who should manage your affairs and allows the testator to ensure that their assets are distributed in accordance with their wishes. Without a valid will, a person dies as “intestate” and provincial legislation dictates the division of […]

WHAT IS A PERSONAL DIRECTIVE? WHAT IS AN ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY?

Personal Directives A Personal Directive is a legal document that allows one to appoint a person to make decisions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to do so yourself. Unlike a Will, which guides the division of your property after your death, a Personal Directive guides decisions made on your behalf while you […]