Thoughtful estate planning and steady estate administration for Toronto families.
Wills & Estates
Wills and estates in Ontario are governed primarily by the Succession Law Reform Act, which sets out what happens both when someone dies with a valid will and, importantly, when they die without one. Civitas Law helps Toronto clients prepare wills, powers of attorney for property and personal care, and basic estate plans suited to their family situation, and assists executors with the probate process through the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
We also advise families navigating the administration of an estate when there is no will, or when disputes arise among beneficiaries.
Direct access to your lawyer at every stage, with clear, honest advice about your options.
We draft wills tailored to your family situation, including blended families, minor children, and specific bequests.
We prepare powers of attorney so a trusted person can manage your finances or care decisions if you become unable to.
We guide executors through applying for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee and administering the estate.
We advise families on how an estate is distributed under the Succession Law Reform Act when someone dies without a will.
We help clients with more complex family or business circumstances plan an estate that reflects their intentions.
We advise clients on claims involving dependant support or challenges to the validity of a will.
We assist families seeking guardianship for a loved one who has become incapable of managing their own affairs.
Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act sets out the formal requirements for a valid will and, critically, the rules of intestate succession that apply when someone dies without one, which can produce results a person might not have intended, such as a division between a spouse and children rather than everything passing to a surviving spouse. The Substitute Decisions Act governs powers of attorney for property and personal care, allowing a person to name someone to manage their finances or health decisions if they become incapable.
Executors administering an estate typically apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, and Ontario also levies an Estate Administration Tax on the value of the estate at the time probate is sought. Toronto's Superior Court maintains a dedicated Estates List for contested matters, reflecting how frequently disputes over wills, capacity, and dependant support arise in a city with Toronto's population and property values.
Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most. Every matter is different, so treat these as a starting point.
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