When Do You Need a Joint Will Lawyer?
In Canada, when married individuals want to ensure that their property is passed on to their loved ones as they wish and their children are cared for, they should create joint wills. A joint will is one document that contains the wills of two individuals.
Joint wills are a great estate planning tool to provide instructions on how to distribute your property when you pass away. Estate planning, including joint wills, can use these estate plans to help ensure their property is kept in their family.
If one of the spouses passes away, the other spouse will inherit their entire estate. When the surviving spouse passes away, the rest of the estate will go to the couple’s children or other named beneficiaries.
During a marriage, especially a longer one, the couple may acquire a large amount of personal and real property, such as homes, jewelry, furniture, and more. They may also accumulate bills, unpaid taxes, and bills. All of this together is called their estate.
If you are considering creating a joint will or having a joint will as part of your estate plan, it is very important to have assistance from a joint will attorney. Your lawyer will explain the advantages and disadvantages of joint wills as well as what is important to include in the will.
Your lawyer will draft your joint will according to your wishes and include the directions that you desire for your property or child custody. Your lawyer can also draft other tools and documents, such as trusts, that can be used as part of an estate plan for you and your spouse.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Joint Will Lawyer in Canada?
The cost of a joint will lawyer in Canada will depend on many different factors. In general, the two main things that influence the cost of a will are whether the individual is creating just a will or an entire estate plan and the fee arrangement the lawyer uses for their services.
On average, the cost of having a lawyer draft a will may range anywhere from CA$500 to CA$2,000. Because a joint will is actually two wills in one, there will also likely be additional costs.
The cost may also vary depending on the fee schedule that the lawyer uses to bill their clients and whether they use hourly rates, flat fees, or a combination of both. When an individual is creating an estate plan which includes their will, the lawyer may charge an hourly rate.
What to Look for in a Joint Will Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer for joint will issues is important for ensuring your wishes are carried out after you pass away. There are certain important qualities to seek in a joint will lawyer, including:
- Experience: It is important to look for an attorney who has experience drafting wills in your state. They will be aware of any nuances and legal requirements to ensure your will is valid upon your passing.
- Reputation: Find a lawyer who has a strong reputation among peers as well as past clients. Online reviews can be helpful when assessing this quality.
- Communication: It is important for your joint will lawyer to be an individual you are comfortable talking to, as they will have to know a lot of personal information to properly draft your will document.
- Strategy: Your lawyer should have a clear strategy for your will or estate plan that aligns with your desires.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation with a Joint Will Lawyer?
In order to get the most out of your consultation with your joint will lawyer, it is important to prepare before your meeting by:
- Gathering documents: You should bring all of the documents you have related to your property, such as deeds, car titles, and other ownership documents as well as birth certificates or adoption paperwork for your children.
- Writing down questions: Make a written list of any questions you may have about your joint will and what happens with it after you pass away.
- Being ready to discuss your wishes: Even though most people do not want to think or talk about their passing, they should be prepared to discuss what their wishes are.
- Discussing fees: It is important to ask about the lawyer’s fee schedule so you can understand how you will be charged.
Where to Find Joint Will Lawyers in Canada?
One of the best ways you can find lawyers for joint wills who meet your needs, whether you are in a big city such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, or a smaller town, is using LegalMatch. You could search for, “joint will lawyers near me” or “joint will attorneys near me” online but the results will likely be overwhelming and not very informative.
LegalMatch’s online matching service will connect you with pre-screened lawyers in your area based on your specific needs. Here is how it works:
- Submit your case: Simply submit some basic information about the joint will or estate plan you are interested in creating.
- Get matched: LegalMatch will match you with local lawyers who are qualified to handle your requests.
- Choose your lawyer: You can review the profile, experience, and client reviews of all of the responding lawyers before deciding who you want to contact for advice.
Using LegalMatch is free and can simplify the process of finding a top-rated joint will lawyer in your area.
