When Seeking A “Wills and Estates Lawyer Near Me”: Choosing Kelly Jordan Family Law

Dec 11, 2024

Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your legacy. A will is an essential document that outlines how your estate will be handled after your passing. If you’re searching online for a “wills and estates lawyer near me”, Kelly Jordan Family Law is here to guide you through this critical process with expertise and care.

From helping you draft your will to supporting you with comprehensive estate planning services, our team makes the process seamless and ensures your wishes are honoured.

Read on to learn why having a professionally drafted will is vital, the steps involved, and how Kelly Jordan Family Law can make estate planning effortless for Ontarians.

Why You Need a Will

A will is more than a document; it’s peace of mind. Without a will, Ontario’s intestacy laws determine how your property is divided, often leading to disputes or outcomes that may not align with your wishes.

Having a will ensures that you:

Choose an executor (estate trustee) to manage your estate.
Decide who inherits your assets.
Plan for the care of minor children or dependents.
Minimize costs, including probate fees.

For unmarried couples, a will is even more crucial. Without one, your partner will not inherit your estate automatically, and your assets may go to distant relatives instead of your chosen loved one.

The Role of a Wills and Estates Lawyer Near Me

Creating a legally sound will requires careful consideration and knowledge of Ontario’s estate laws. A wills and estates lawyer near me, like those at Kelly Jordan Family Law, can help you navigate the process efficiently, ensuring your will reflects your wishes and minimizes legal risks.

At Kelly Jordan Family Law, we offer a streamlined approach to estate planning. Here’s what you can expect when working with us:

Intake Process: Before your first appointment, we send you an intake package to gather information about your family, assets, and liabilities. This preparation ensures that your estate plan is tailored to your unique needs.
Two-Appointments Process: Typically, you’ll visit our office twice—first to provide instructions and then to execute your documents. To make the process even smoother, we send your documents electronically before your second visit.
Secure Document Storage: We store the original executed documents in secure offsite storage at no cost, ensuring your will is safe and accessible when needed.

Steps to Create a Will

Choose an Estate Trustee Your estate trustee is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing assets. Choose someone you trust, ideally someone living in Ontario. Kelly Jordan Family Law can help you identify the best candidate and discuss alternatives like naming co-trustees or substitutes.
List Your Beneficiaries Beneficiaries are the people or organizations that will inherit your assets. Provide full legal names and contact information to avoid confusion. If you support dependents financially, ensure they are adequately provided for to prevent legal challenges.
Document Your Assets and Debts Your estate includes all property you own, such as real estate, investments, personal belongings, and liabilities like mortgages or loans. Certain assets, such as those with designated beneficiaries (e.g., RRSPs, TFSAs, or life insurance policies), may pass outside the will and are not subject to probate fees.
Plan Specific and Residual Gifts Decide which items or amounts you want to leave to specific beneficiaries. After taxes and debts are paid, the remaining estate (residue) will be distributed according to your wishes. Our team can assist you in setting up trusts for minors or dependents with disabilities to protect their inheritance.
Plan for Minor Children If you have children under 18, naming guardians in your will is crucial. You can also appoint someone to manage the property you leave them. Our lawyers specialize in planning for children, ensuring their needs are met while safeguarding their inheritance.
Sign and Store Your Will Your will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Once signed, it’s crucial to store your will securely. Kelly Jordan Family Law provides free offsite storage for your executed documents, so you never have to worry about losing them.

Reduce Probate Fees

Probate fees, also called estate administration tax, are based on the total value of your estate. In Ontario, these fees are $15 for every $1,000 of assets over $50,000.

Kelly Jordan Family Law can advise you on strategies to reduce probate fees, such as:

- Giving gifts while alive to reduce the size of your estate.
- Naming beneficiaries on registered plans and insurance policies.
- Joint ownership of property.
- Setting up alter ego or joint partner trusts for more complex situations.

These strategies ensure more of your estate goes to your loved ones rather than being consumed by fees.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

At Kelly Jordan Family Law, we don’t just help you write a will—we provide a complete suite of estate planning services:

Trusts and Tax Planning. We help structure your estate in the most tax-efficient way, protecting your assets and maximizing what your beneficiaries receive.
Estate Administration Support. If you’re an executor needing help managing an estate, we offer guidance on everything from probate applications to distributing assets.
Powers of Attorney. We ensure you’re protected with financial and healthcare powers of attorney, particularly important for unmarried couples and blended families.

Why Choose Kelly Jordan Family Law?

When you’re searching for a wills and estates lawyer near me, it’s important to work with a team that values efficiency, professionalism, and care. At Kelly Jordan Family Law, we make estate planning as simple as possible. Here’s why clients trust us:

Reasonable Flat Rates: Our services are offered at competitive flat rates, with no hidden fees.
Expert Guidance: With years of experience in Ontario estate law, our lawyers ensure your will is thorough and legally sound.
Tailored Advice: We understand that every family is unique, and we craft estate plans that reflect your specific needs and goals.

Get Your Will Done For Peace Of Mind

Having a will is essential to protecting your loved ones and your legacy. Working with a trusted wills and estates lawyer near me like Kelly Jordan Family Law ensures the process is seamless, efficient, and stress-free. From drafting your will to reducing probate fees and planning for dependents, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Work With Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm

At the Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm, we specialize in providing high-quality family law services to individuals including support with wills, estates and power of attorney. If you’re searching for a “wills and estates lawyer near me,” contact the Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm today. Our experienced lawyers are here to help guide you through this process.

If you are facing a family law issue and need an experienced lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact the Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm at 416-849-5501 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and move forward confidently.