Ottawa Estate Planning Guide
Wills and Powers of Attorney in Ontario
Understand what each document does, who you may appoint, and what to prepare before meeting a lawyer.
Read the Guide →Wills & Powers of Attorney
Wills and Powers of Attorney in Ottawa
Careful estate planning documents so your wishes are clearly documented and trusted individuals can assist if needed.
How We Can Help
Planning ahead gives you and your family clarity. Meysami Law Professional Corp. assists clients with wills, powers of attorney, estate planning documents, and estate administration support.
Every legal matter depends on its own facts. A consultation provides an opportunity to review your circumstances, identify priorities, and discuss possible next steps.
Getting Started
Before Your Consultation
Consider the people you may wish to appoint, your family circumstances, significant assets, and any specific wishes or questions you want to discuss.
The Process
What to Expect
The consultation focuses on your goals and circumstances, followed by careful document preparation, review, and signing arrangements.
Next Step
Discuss Your Matter
Book a consultation to discuss your goals, timing, and the information needed for your matter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wills & Powers of Attorney Questions in Ottawa
General information to help you prepare for a consultation. It is not legal advice.
What is the difference between a will and a power of attorney?
A will generally deals with your estate after death. Powers of attorney appoint trusted people to make certain property or personal-care decisions while you are alive, subject to the document and Ontario law.
What information should I prepare before an estate-planning meeting?
Consider your family circumstances, assets, intended beneficiaries, choice of estate trustee, and the people you may wish to appoint for property and personal-care decisions.
Can spouses or partners prepare wills together?
Many couples plan at the same time, but each person’s circumstances and instructions must be considered individually. The lawyer will discuss the appropriate documents and any potential conflicts.
When should a will or power of attorney be reviewed?
A review may be useful after a marriage, separation, birth, death, major asset change, move, or change in the people you have appointed. A lawyer can advise whether updates are appropriate.
Can a handwritten will be valid in Ontario?
Ontario recognizes a holograph will that is wholly in the will-maker’s own handwriting and signed, but formal validity is only one issue. Clear instructions, capacity, revocation, proof and estate administration can still create problems. See the firm’s handwritten-will guide and obtain advice about the actual document.
What records should an attorney for property keep?
Ontario rules require detailed accounts and records, including assets, money received and paid, investments, liabilities and compensation. The exact duties depend on the document and circumstances. See the firm’s attorney-for-property recordkeeping checklist.
Does my will control every beneficiary designation?
Not necessarily. Plans, pensions and insurance policies may have separate beneficiary records governed by their documents and applicable legislation. Review the actual will and provider confirmations together. See the firm’s beneficiary-designation coordination checklist.
Can an Ontario will name someone to care for a child?
A will can include an appointment for decision-making responsibility, but its effect depends on section 61 of the Children’s Law Reform Act, the other parent’s legal position, consent and the 90-day framework. See the firm’s Ontario will-appointment guide.
Can an attorney under a power of attorney change a will?
No. Ontario’s Substitute Decisions Act excludes making a will from the authority a continuing power of attorney for property may grant. Major property decisions can still affect the future estate and require careful records. See the firm’s Ontario POA and will guide.
Does a power of attorney continue after the grantor dies?
No. A power of attorney is lifetime authority; estate administration belongs to the estate trustee under the will, applicable law and any required court certificate. See the firm’s Ontario POA-to-estate transition checklist.
When should an estate trustee request a CRA clearance certificate?
CRA directs representatives to apply after required returns have been assessed, reassessments received where requested, relevant amounts paid or secured and authority documents submitted. See the firm’s CRA clearance-certificate checklist.
What if a person named as estate trustee cannot act?
Review the complete will, identify any steps already taken and obtain advice before signing a renunciation. Ontario probate materials use Form 74G for specified renunciations and consents. See the firm’s Ontario estate-trustee renunciation guide.