Strathmore Wills and Estates Lawyers

Getz Collins and Associates provides comprehensive wills, estate planning, probate, and estate administration services to individuals and families in Strathmore and surrounding Alberta communities. Our wills and estates lawyers help clients plan for the future, protect their interests, and navigate the legal responsibilities that can arise following the death of a loved one.

No matter the size or complexity of an estate, our team provides practical, individualized advice based on each client’s circumstances, family considerations, assets, and wishes.

Our wills and estates lawyers assist with:

• Wills;
• Estate planning;
• Estate administration;
• Probate;
• Enduring powers of attorney and personal directives;
• Distribution issues (per capita or per stirpes);
• Joint accounts;
• Personal guarantees;
• Business succession planning; and
• Digital assets.

Wills and Estate Planning in Strathmore

A carefully considered estate plan can provide greater certainty for you and your family and help ensure your wishes are clearly documented.

Our Strathmore wills and estates lawyers assist clients with preparing and reviewing wills and other estate planning documents based on their individual circumstances. Estate planning may involve more than determining how assets will be distributed after death. It can also address decision-making in the event of incapacity, guardianship considerations, business succession, and the needs of dependants.

Comprehensive estate planning may include:

• Designating beneficiaries for your assets;
• Preparing or updating a will;
• Establishing personal directives for personal and healthcare decisions;
• Preparing enduring powers of attorney for financial and property matters;
• Naming potential guardians for dependent children;
• Planning for the succession and transition of business ownership or company shares;
• Planning for the needs of dependent or adult children; and
• Setting aside assets for charitable causes or organizations.

Life circumstances change over time. Reviewing an estate plan after significant changes to your family, assets, business interests, or financial circumstances can help ensure your documents continue to reflect your wishes.

Probate and Estate Administration in Alberta

Administering an estate can be emotionally and legally complex, particularly following the loss of a loved one. Executors and other personal representatives may be responsible for identifying assets and debts, communicating with beneficiaries, dealing with financial institutions, applying to the court when required, and ultimately distributing the estate.

Our wills and estates lawyers assist Strathmore clients with probate and estate administration matters, including:

• Locating and reviewing wills;
• Obtaining death certificates and other required documents;
• Identifying estate assets and debts;
• Notifying beneficiaries;
• Preparing and filing applications for probate or administration;
• Addressing issues involving estate property and other assets;
• Paying estate debts; and
• Distributing estate assets to beneficiaries.

Getting legal advice can help personal representatives understand their responsibilities and navigate the estate administration process.

Where disagreements arise regarding an estate, our civil litigation lawyers can also advise clients on disputes that may require further legal action.

Enduring Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives

Estate planning is not limited to determining what happens after death. Planning for the possibility of future incapacity can also be an important part of a comprehensive estate plan.

An enduring power of attorney allows an individual to appoint someone to make financial and property decisions on their behalf in circumstances set out in the document.

A personal directive allows an individual to appoint someone to make personal decisions on their behalf if they lose the capacity to make those decisions themselves.

Our lawyers can help clients understand these documents and prepare them as part of a broader estate plan.

Business Succession and Estate Planning

For business owners, estate planning may also involve decisions about the future ownership and operation of a business.

Getz Collins and Associates assists business owners with estate and succession considerations, including planning for the transition of business ownership or operations and the inheritance of company shares. Our business lawyers can also assist with broader legal matters involving business ownership, structure, and succession.

Coordinating estate planning with broader business planning can help provide greater clarity for owners, their families, and the future of the business.

Why Choose Getz Collins and Associates for Wills and Estates?

Getz Collins and Associates provides clients with empathetic, practical advice in wills, estates, and related matters. Our lawyers bring decades of combined estate law experience and work with clients to develop solutions appropriate to their individual circumstances.

We guide clients through estate planning and administration matters while helping them understand their options and responsibilities at each stage.

With offices in Strathmore and Calgary, Getz Collins and Associates serves individuals, families, and businesses throughout Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills and Estates in Strathmore

Why do I need a will?

A will allows you to determine how your assets will be distributed after your death and who will administer your estate. Without a valid will, Alberta’s Wills and Succession Act sets out how property is distributed, which may not reflect your wishes.

When should I update my will?

You should review your will regularly and consider updating it after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, the acquisition of significant assets, or major changes to your financial circumstances.

What is probate in Alberta?

Probate is a court process that confirms the validity of a will and the authority of the personal representative to administer the estate. Whether probate is required can depend on the assets and circumstances of the estate.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Alberta?

Not every estate is the same, and the steps required will depend on the circumstances. A wills and estates lawyer can help a personal representative determine whether probate is required, prepare the necessary documents, and understand their responsibilities when administering the estate.

What happens if someone dies without a will in Alberta?

If a person dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to Alberta’s intestacy laws. The distribution depends on the individual’s surviving spouse, adult interdependent partner, children, and other family members.

What is an enduring power of attorney?

An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person to make financial and property decisions on your behalf in circumstances specified by the document.

What is a personal directive?

A personal directive allows you to appoint someone to make personal decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make those decisions yourself.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will takes effect upon death and directs how an estate should be administered and distributed. Trusts are different legal arrangements that may be used in certain estate-planning circumstances. The appropriate approach depends on an individual’s objectives and circumstances.

How long does estate administration take in Alberta?

The time required to administer an estate depends on its complexity, the nature of the assets, whether probate is required, and whether disputes arise among beneficiaries. Some estates can be administered relatively quickly, while more complicated estates may take significantly longer.

Can a will be challenged in Alberta?

In certain circumstances, disputes may arise regarding the validity or administration of a will or estate. Because the legal issues depend heavily on the circumstances, individuals involved in an estate dispute should consider obtaining legal advice.

Can you help with business succession planning?

Yes. Estate planning can include planning for the transition of business ownership and management. Proper planning can help provide greater clarity regarding the future ownership and operation of a business.

Speak With a Strathmore Wills and Estates Lawyer

Whether you are preparing or updating a will, planning for the future, acting as the personal representative of an estate, or dealing with a probate or estate administration matter, Getz Collins and Associates can help you understand your options and responsibilities.

To schedule a consultation with a member of our Strathmore wills and estates team, call 587-391-5600 or contact us online.