Wills & Estates

Estate planning is one of the most meaningful things you can do for your family. A comprehensive plan ensures your wishes are honoured, your loved ones are protected, and unnecessary delays and legal costs are avoided. Silver Crest Law provides thoughtful, thorough estate planning and administration services tailored to your specific circumstances.

Wills

We draft clear, valid, and comprehensive last wills and testaments that reflect your wishes and protect your beneficiaries. A properly drafted will removes ambiguity, avoids disputes, and ensures your estate is administered efficiently. We advise on and prepare:

• Simple and complex will structures for individuals and families
• Testamentary trusts for minor or vulnerable beneficiaries
• Spousal trusts and alter ego trusts
• Charitable bequests and philanthropic planning
• Specific gifts, residual estate provisions, and contingency planning
• Guardianship designations for minor children
• Multiple wills (primary and secondary) for tax-efficient estate administration

Powers of Attorney

A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property authorizes someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become mentally incapable. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care (living will) designates someone to make health and personal care decisions on your behalf. These documents are critically important and should be in place well before they are needed. We advise on the scope of authority, appropriate grantor restrictions, and how to choose the right attorney.

Estate Administration

Acting as an estate trustee (executor) is a significant legal and fiduciary responsibility that many people are not fully prepared for. We guide estate trustees through every step of the administration process, including:

• Obtaining a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (probate) from the Superior Court
• Notifying beneficiaries and creditors
• Identifying, valuing, and managing estate assets
• Paying debts, taxes, and estate expenses
• Preparation of accounts and final distribution to beneficiaries
• Passing of accounts before the court where required

Estate Litigation

When disputes arise over the validity of a will, the conduct of an estate trustee, dependant's relief claims, or entitlement to a share of an estate, we provide experienced litigation representation. We act for beneficiaries, executors, and other interested parties in estate disputes before the Superior Court of Justice.