Powers of Attorney
Protect your future with clear, legally sound Powers of Attorney. O’Hare Law helps Toronto clients put the right documents in place so trusted individuals can manage financial and personal decisions if needed—giving you confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
Power of Attorney: Why It Matters for Your Estate Plan in Toronto
Peace of mind for you, and clarity for those you love.
A will is the foundation of any solid estate plan. Without one, the law – not you – decides what happens to your home, your savings, and more importantly, your children. Working with a wills and estate lawyer in Toronto ensures your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected.
Creating a will is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. It is your opportunity to speak clearly about what matters to you – who inherits your home, who receives personal treasures with sentimental value, and who you trust to carry out your wishes after you are gone.
Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act, which follows a fixed formula that may have nothing to do with your actual wishes. Your common-law partner, close friends, or favourite charities may receive nothing at all.
As a Toronto wills and estate lawyer, I take the time to understand your family, your assets, and your goals before drafting a single word. Whether your situation is straightforward or involves blended families, business interests, or cross-border assets, I ensure your will is clear, comprehensive, and legally sound.
What your will can cover
A well-drafted will addresses far more than just who gets what. It can name guardians for minor children, provide for a pet, set conditions on gifts to young adults, establish trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries, minimize estate taxes, and name an executor you trust to handle the process with care.
Continuing Power of Attorney for Property
This document authorizes your chosen person (your "attorney") to manage your financial affairs – paying bills, managing investments, dealing with your bank, and handling real estate transactions. Critically, a continuing power of attorney remains valid even if you lose mental capacity, which is exactly when it's needed most.
Power of Attorney for Personal Care
This document names someone to make decisions about your health care, living arrangements, and personal needs if you're no longer able to communicate your wishes. It works hand-in-hand with a living will or advance care directive to guide your attorney in respecting your values.