Estate Planning Services
Secure your legacy and protect your loved ones with comprehensive estate planning. Our experienced team helps you navigate complex estate matters, ensuring your wishes are carried out and your family's future is protected.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
From simple wills to complex trust structures, we provide tailored estate planning solutions that protect your assets and ensure your legacy.
Wills & Testaments
Comprehensive wills that clearly express your wishes and protect beneficiaries.
- Simple and complex wills
- Mirror wills for couples
- International will considerations
- Codicils and will updates
- Will storage and safekeeping
Powers of Attorney
Legal documents ensuring your affairs are managed if you cannot act yourself.
- Power of Attorney for Property
- Power of Attorney for Personal Care
- Limited/specific powers of attorney
- Substitute decision makers
- Capacity assessments
Trusts
Sophisticated estate planning tools for asset protection and tax efficiency.
- Family trusts
- Testamentary trusts
- Special needs trusts
- Charitable trusts
- Trust administration
Estate Administration
Guide executors through the complex process of estate settlement.
- Executor duties and responsibilities
- Asset inventory and valuation
- Debt and tax settlement
- Beneficiary distributions
- Estate accounting
Probate Services
Navigate Ontario probate court efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Certificate of Appointment applications
- Probate fee calculations
- Small estate procedures
- Foreign grant applications
- Probate avoidance strategies
Estate Litigation
Resolve disputes and protect your inheritance rights.
- Will challenges and contests
- Dependant support claims
- Executor disputes
- Capacity challenges
- Undue influence claims
Why Estate Planning Matters
Proper estate planning provides security, clarity, and peace of mind for you and your loved ones
Asset Protection
Protect your wealth from unnecessary taxes and fees
Family Security
Ensure your loved ones are provided for according to your wishes
Peace of Mind
Rest easy knowing your affairs are properly organized
Dispute Prevention
Clear instructions prevent family conflicts and litigation
Our Estate Planning Process
A thorough, personalized approach to creating your comprehensive estate plan
Initial Review
Assess your assets, family situation, and estate planning goals
Strategy Design
Develop customized estate plan addressing your specific needs
Document Drafting
Prepare comprehensive legal documents with precision
Review & Sign
Explain documents thoroughly and execute with proper witnessing
Ongoing Support
Regular reviews and updates as your life circumstances change
Why Choose JKO Law for Estate Planning?
International Perspective
Experience with cross-border estates and international asset considerations, crucial for GTA's diverse population.
Family-Focused Approach
Understanding of complex family dynamics and cultural considerations ensures plans that work for your unique situation.
Tax Efficiency
Strategic planning to minimize estate taxes and maximize the wealth transferred to your beneficiaries.
Ongoing Support
Regular reviews and updates ensure your estate plan evolves with your changing life circumstances.
Our Estate Planning Values
Personalized Plans
Legal Compliance
Documentation
Modern Approach
"Delivering meticulous estate planning services with attention to detail and commitment to securing your family's future."
- Our Estate Planning Promise
Legal Disclaimer
Please read carefully
This information is not legal advice. Each case is unique and laws change frequently. No lawyer-client relationship is created by viewing this content.
Do not act on any information from this website without seeking professional legal counsel. No lawyer-client relationship is formed until we have a signed retainer agreement.
© 2025 JKO Law Office. All rights reserved.
Estate Planning FAQs
Yes, everyone over 18 should have a will. It's not just about assets - it covers guardianship of children, funeral wishes, and can simplify matters for your loved ones during a difficult time.
While DIY wills exist, professional drafting ensures legal validity, covers all scenarios, and prevents costly mistakes that could invalidate your wishes or cause disputes.
Your assets will be distributed according to Ontario's intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes. The court appoints an estate trustee, potentially causing delays and additional costs.
Yes, you can update your will anytime through a codicil (amendment) or by creating a new will. We recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years or after major life changes.
A will takes effect after death and directs asset distribution. Powers of attorney are effective during your lifetime, allowing someone to make decisions if you're unable to do so.
There are two main types: Power of Attorney for Property (financial decisions) and Power of Attorney for Personal Care (medical and personal decisions). Each serves different purposes.
Choose someone trustworthy, organized, and willing to act in your best interests. This could be a spouse, adult child, sibling, or trusted friend. You can appoint different people for property and personal care.
A continuing power of attorney for property can be immediate or triggered by incapacity. A power of attorney for personal care only takes effect when you're mentally incapable of making decisions.
Costs vary based on complexity. Simple wills start at a few hundred dollars, while comprehensive estate plans with trusts may cost more. We provide transparent pricing during consultation.
Review your plan every 3-5 years and after major life events: marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant asset changes, or moving to a different province.
Probate is the court process validating a will. While not always avoidable, strategies like joint ownership, beneficiary designations, and trusts can minimize assets requiring probate.
Ontario charges estate administration tax (probate fees) of approximately 1.5% on estates over $50,000. Proper planning can help minimize these taxes legally.
Don't Leave Your Legacy to Chance
Protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and ensure your wishes are honored. Start your estate planning journey today with expert legal guidance.
Free initial consultation • Fixed fee options available • Evening and weekend appointments