Planning for the future is crucial, and with Joyce Sawchuk, she offers comprehensive wills and estates services to residents of Red Deer, Alberta, and the surrounding areas. Whether you're preparing a will, establishing a trust, or navigating estate administration, our experienced legal team is here to provide the support you need to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected.
Wills: Planning for Peace of Mind
Creating a will is an essential step in securing your future and safeguarding your family. With Joyce Sawchuk, she will guide you through every aspect of drafting a valid will, ensuring that your intentions are clearly articulated and legally sound. The process begins with an initial consultation, where we discuss your assets, beneficiaries, and any specific wishes you may have. We make sure your will is comprehensive, addressing key elements such as appointing an executor, specifying how your assets will be distributed, and making guardianship arrangements for minor children.
We also emphasize the importance of keeping your will up to date as your life circumstances change. Whether you need to amend your will due to changes in family structure, financial situation, or other factors, our team is here to ensure your will remains current and reflective of your evolving wishes.
Wills and Estates Planning in Alberta
Wills and estates planning in Alberta involves preparing for the distribution of your assets and the management of your estate after your death. This process ensures that your wishes regarding your property, finances, and other matters are carried out effectively and in accordance with the law.
Wills and Estate Planning
Key Components of Wills and Estates Planning:
With Joyce Sawchuk, she is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of wills and estates planning with confidence and ease. Our goal is to ensure that your estate is well-managed, your wishes are honoured, and your loved ones are protected during a time of transition. With our dedicated legal team by your side, you can plan for the future with peace of mind.
Wills:
Creating a Will: A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets and property should be distributed upon your death. It can also specify guardianship arrangements for minor children and appoint an executor to manage your estate.
Validity: In Alberta, a valid will must be in writing and signed by the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the will. The testator must be of sound mind and at least 18 years old to create a legally binding will.
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA):
An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This document remains in effect even if you lose mental capacity, ensuring that your financial affairs are managed according to your wishes.
Personal Directive
A Personal Directive in Alberta is a legal document that allows an individual (the "maker") to appoint someone (called the "agent") to make personal decisions on their behalf in case they lose the mental capacity to make these decisions themselves. Personal directives cover non-financial matters, such as healthcare, living arrangements, and other personal care issues
Legal Framework:
Wills and Succession Act: Alberta's Wills and Succession Act governs the distribution of estates, including the administration process, the validity of wills, and rules regarding intestacy (when someone dies without a will).
What you need to know
Joyce Sawchuk is dedicated to making wills and estate planning simple and reassuring.
Whether you’re planning for the future or updating your arrangements, our team will work closely with you to protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Contact our office today to start planning for a secure future.
Having a will ensures your assets are distributed as you wish, helping avoid disputes among beneficiaries and ensuring that your children are cared for as per your wishes.
Not a great idea, as legal advice is recommended to ensure the document complies with all Alberta regulations. A self-made will might not be enforceable if it doesn’t meet legal requirements.
Dying intestate means Alberta’s intestacy laws will decide asset distribution. This could result in a distribution plan that doesn’t align with your preferences.
An executor, now referred to as a Personal Representative, administers your estate upon your death, managing assets, debts, and distributions. Choose someone trustworthy and capable, as the role involves time and responsibility.
Major life events, like marriage, divorce, or the birth of children, should prompt a review of your will to ensure it aligns with your current situation and intentions.