Ottawa Wills and Estate Law

Wills & Estates Legal Services 

Planning for the future is essential to ensure your loved ones are taken care of and that your wishes are respected. At Odette Rwigamba Lawyers, we provide comprehensive wills and estate law services to help you secure your legacy and protect your family’s interests. Whether you need to draft a will, set up a trust, or administer an estate, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with care, precision, and legal expertise.

We offer a wide range of legal services related to wills, estate planning, and estate administration, including:

• Drafting Wills: Customised wills that reflect your wishes and protect your estate.
• Power of Attorney (POA): Appointing trusted individuals to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf.
• Trusts: Establishing trusts for tax planning, asset protection, and charitable giving.
• Estate Planning: Developing strategies to minimise taxes and maximise the value of your estate.
• Estate Administration & Probate: Guiding executors through the probate process and estate management.
• Will Disputes & Estate Litigation: Resolving conflicts over wills, inheritances, or estate distributions.
• Guardianship Applications: Assisting with legal guardianship for minors or individuals with disabilities.

We are dedicated to ensuring your estate is well-managed, and your wishes are honoured at every stage.

Wills

A legally sound will ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Our lawyers assist with:

• Drafting and updating wills to reflect life changes, such as marriage or the birth of children.
• Choosing executors who will manage your estate and distribute assets.
• Designating beneficiaries to receive specific gifts or inheritances.
• Establishing guardianship for minor children.
• Creating alternate plans in case your chosen beneficiaries or executors are unavailable.

We ensure that your will is clear, legally enforceable, and aligns with Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act.

Power of Attorney (POA)

A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. There are two types of POAs in Ontario:

• Continuing Power of Attorney for Property: Authorises someone to manage your financial affairs, such as paying bills or managing investments.
• Power of Attorney for Personal Care: Authorises someone to make healthcare and personal decisions on your behalf, such as medical treatment choices.

Our team ensures that your POA documents are legally sound, providing peace of mind that your affairs will be handled according to your wishes if you are unable to act for yourself.

Trusts

Setting up a trust can offer significant benefits, such as tax efficiency, asset protection, and controlled distribution of wealth. We assist with:

• Family trusts to protect assets and provide for future generations.
• Charitable trusts for philanthropic giving.
• Testamentary trusts, which come into effect upon your passing and provide long-term financial security for beneficiaries.
• Henson trusts to protect the eligibility of individuals with disabilities for government benefits.

We tailor trust solutions to your financial goals and family’s needs, ensuring the effective management of your assets.

Estate Planning

A well-thought-out estate plan minimises taxes and ensures the smooth transfer of assets to your loved ones. Our estate planning services include:

• Minimising estate taxes through strategic planning.
• Setting up joint ownership of assets to avoid probate.
• Naming beneficiaries for life insurance policies and registered accounts (RRSPs, TFSAs).
• Developing succession plans for business owners.

Our lawyers work closely with financial advisors to create an estate plan that maximises the value of your estate and protects your family’s future.

Estate Administration & Probate

Administering an estate involves managing the deceased’s assets, paying debts, and distributing inheritances. We assist executors with:

• Applying for probate, which confirms the validity of the will and grants authority to the executor.
• Managing estate assets and paying outstanding debts or taxes.
• Distributing inheritance to beneficiaries according to the will or Ontario’s intestacy rules (if no valid will exists).
• Preparing detailed estate accounts for beneficiaries and legal reporting.

Our legal team ensures that the estate is administered efficiently and in compliance with Ontario laws, easing the burden on executors.

Guardianship Applications

In some cases, you may need to apply for guardianship over a minor child or an adult with a disability. Our lawyers assist with:

• Applying for guardianship to care for minors or individuals who are unable to manage their affairs.
• Preparing guardianship plans that align with the best interests of the individual.
• Court representation in guardianship proceedings, if required.

We ensure that all guardianship arrangements comply with Ontario law and prioritize the well-being of the individual involved.

Why Choose Odette Rwigamba Lawyers for Wills & Estate Law?

At Odette Rwigamba Lawyers, we provide personalised legal solutions to help you protect your legacy and your family’s future. When you work with us, you benefit from:

• Tailored estate plans that align with your unique goals and circumstances.
• Clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions.
• Compassionate support during challenging times, such as estate administration and disputes.
• Efficient service to minimise delays and ensure smooth legal processes.
• Experienced representation for complex estate and guardianship matters.

We are committed to helping you achieve peace of mind through thoughtful planning and effective legal solutions.