Wills / Estate Planning
A simple Will? A straightforward probate? How can you be sure? Our Probate Courts
are full of testaments to the hazards of self-help in this ancient and rule-bound
area of the law.
In an era of increasing governmental intervention and tax complexity in matters
of living and dying, proper estate planning becomes one of the best bargains that
a law firm can provide to a client. A few hours of estate planning can save thousands
of dollars on death. The opposite is also true: a homemade Will can end up costing
many thousands of dollars in lost opportunities and undeliverable bequests. Part
of our obligation to our clients is to explain proper estate planning as an investment,
not an expense. The same is true of corporate succession planning, where business
continuity and strategic tax planning are integral objectives co-ordinated between
our Estates Group and our Tax Group.
Harry Munro leads our Wills, Estates and Trust Group. “Preparing a Will has little
to do with pre-printed forms”, Harry says. Long before testamentary wishes are reduced
to writing, there is a need for fulsome and candid disclosure between the lawyer
and the client. Too often, what appears to be simple and straightforward is not.
“The challenges and hazards are even more so when business succession is involved.”
says Harry. “Mac, Mac & Mac has the uncommon benefit of having Eric Atkinson
to work with our clients, to ensure his experience in tax related matters will dovetail
with the non-tax components of estate planning.”
Our job starts with listening - carefully and completely. Only after we know all
the intricacies of the client’s wishes and responsibilities do we begin to craft
the documents that will speak for the client when he or she can no longer do so.
Regardless of the size of our client’s estate, we ensure that the wishes and expectations
of the client are honoured in a manner that maximizes return, and minimizes future
legal challenges.
Enduring Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, tax rollovers and family trusts are only
part of the package that is available through our Wills, Estates and Trusts Group.
A complete estate plan must stitch these components together into a seamless legal
fabric. It’s part of the problem solving philosophy and Team Service Delivery that
distinguishes Mac, Mac & Mac.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Wills and Codicils
- Powers of Attorney
- Living Wills and Directions to Health Care Providers
- Estate Planning
- Family Trusts
- Business Succession Planning
- Adult Guardianship
- Probate and Administration
- Probate Litigation