wills & estate Law

A properly prepared Last Will and Testament allows you to determine how your estate should be administered and distributed after your death rather than leaving those decisions entirely to Alberta’s intestacy rules.

ATEH LAW prepares customized Wills that reflect each client’s individual circumstances, family relationships, assets and long-term intentions.

Your Will may address the appointment of an executor, distribution of property, specific gifts, beneficiaries, trusts, guardianship wishes for minor children, alternate beneficiaries and other estate-planning considerations.

We can also review an existing Will following significant life events such as marriage, separation, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, acquisition of substantial assets, changes in family circumstances or the death of a beneficiary or executor.

Our objective is to create a Will that clearly expresses your intentions while reducing uncertainty and the potential for future disputes.

An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to appoint a trusted individual to make financial and property-related decisions on your behalf in accordance with the terms of the document, including where the authority is intended to continue or arise following mental incapacity.

ATEH LAW assists clients with preparing Enduring Powers of Attorney tailored to their circumstances and explaining the significant authority and responsibilities associated with the appointment.

Depending on the document, an attorney may be authorized to deal with matters such as banking, investments, bills, property, contracts and other financial affairs.

Preparing an EPA while you have legal capacity can be an important part of planning for unexpected illness, injury or incapacity and may reduce the need for more complicated court proceedings if assistance is later required.

A Personal Directive allows you to identify a person or persons who may make certain personal decisions for you if you lose the capacity to make those decisions yourself.

Unlike an Enduring Power of Attorney, which generally concerns financial and property matters, a Personal Directive can address non-financial personal matters permitted by Alberta law, including decisions concerning healthcare, accommodation and other personal matters.

ATEH LAW can help you prepare a Personal Directive that clearly records your wishes and identifies the individual you trust to act as your agent.

Together, a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive can form the foundation of a comprehensive estate and incapacity plan.

The death of a family member can leave executors and loved ones facing unfamiliar legal and administrative responsibilities at an already difficult time.

ATEH LAW assists executors and estate representatives with determining whether a Grant of Probate or other court grant is required and with navigating the estate administration process.

Depending on the estate, our services may include assisting with the probate application, reviewing the Will, identifying beneficiaries and estate assets, advising on executor responsibilities, preparing required court documentation and assisting with matters arising during the administration and distribution of the estate.

We aim to make the process understandable and manageable while helping executors properly fulfill their legal responsibilities.

Disagreements concerning an estate can arise over the validity or interpretation of a Will, the administration of the estate, the conduct of an executor, beneficiary entitlements or other issues.

ATEH LAW can provide advice and representation in estate disputes and contested estate matters, with an emphasis on understanding the legal issues, preserving estate assets and identifying an appropriate path toward resolution.

Where appropriate, we seek practical negotiated solutions that can reduce unnecessary expense and family conflict. Where litigation becomes necessary, we can assist clients in protecting their interests through the court process.

We also provide ongoing assistance to executors and personal representatives who require legal advice while administering an estate, including guidance concerning their duties, decision-making and interactions with beneficiaries.

Estate planning provides clarity for you and the people you care about. Whether you are preparing your first Will, updating an existing estate plan, acting as an executor or dealing with an estate dispute, ATEH LAW can help you understand your options and take the appropriate legal steps.

Protect your wishes. Protect your family. Protect your legacy.

Contact ATEH LAW to discuss your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, Personal Directive, probate or estate administration needs.