A useful will-planning appointment starts with your circumstances and intentions. You do not need perfect answers to every question, but a clear outline helps the lawyer identify issues that a generic form may miss.
Map the people involved
List your spouse or partner, children, dependants, intended beneficiaries, and anyone you expect may raise a concern. Tell the lawyer about a previous marriage, separation, family agreement, or support obligation. These facts can matter to the advice even if a person is not named in the proposed will.
Inventory assets and how they are held
Record your home, other real estate, bank and investment accounts, business interests, insurance, registered plans, and significant personal property. Note joint ownership and beneficiary designations. A will may not control every asset in the same way; ask how the documents and ownership records interact.
Choose an estate trustee and alternates
An estate trustee may gather assets, pay debts and taxes, keep records, and distribute the estate under the will. Consider the proposed person's ability, location, and willingness, and name an alternate if appropriate. Discuss a guardian nomination for minor children and any special planning needs rather than copying a template.
Discuss gifts, residue and contingencies
Specify important gifts and who receives what remains after debts and expenses. Consider what should happen if a beneficiary or trustee dies before you. Clarify any charity names, shares, or conditions. Ambiguous instructions can cause cost and conflict.
Execution and safekeeping
Ontario wills have legal formalities, and different types of wills or exceptional court remedies should not be assumed interchangeable. Ask the lawyer to guide signing and witnessing for your situation. Tell the chosen trustee where the original is stored, and revisit the will after a major life change.
Questions about your own situation? The documents, dates and facts matter. Meysami Law Professional Corp. assists clients in Ottawa with wills & powers of attorney matters.
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Official Resources
Ontario: estate planning and wills · Ontario: administering estates
This article is general information as of September 26, 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and circumstances can change. Contacting the firm does not create a lawyer-client relationship.