Wills & Estates

Whether you like it or not, you need a will

Everyone does. Regardless of whether your estate is simple or you have a complex family situation or extensive assets or business holdings, a will allows Sicotte Guilbault to work with the executor you choose to implement your final decisions. Should you pass away “intestate,” meaning without a will, provincial laws, not you, will determine how your assets and property are distributed. This could mean delays, additional costs and complications in settling your estate during an already difficult time for your loved ones.

Sicotte Guilbault can review your family and financial situation to develop a plan, including a will, which sets out who will manage your estate and how property and assets will be distributed among your beneficiaries, along with tax planning to reduce costs. When the time comes, we will be here to settle your estate in a timely and efficient way.

Incapacity Planning: Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives

Realistically, there may come a time when you are unable to look after your own affairs. A Power of Attorney document enables a person you trust to assist you if the need arises— and it avoids forcing your family or another caregiver to apply to the courts to gain the authority to handle your affairs.

We can also develop a health care directive outlining your decisions about medical treatments in the event you lose decision-making capacity and/or become unable to communicate your wishes.

Adversely, if a family member no longer has the ability to make their own financial and personal decisions but has not signed a Power of Attorney document, we can help you obtain a guardianship order, giving you the legal authority to manage their financial matters and/or personal care.