WILLS & ESTATE PLANNING

We believe in empowering our clients to make informed decisions that align with their unique needs and circumstances. By taking the time to gain a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, we guide them through the process with the goal of preserving their wealth and promoting family harmony. Our commitment to being with our clients every step of the way ensures that they can approach their legal matters with confidence.

At Summit Legal Group, we believe in crafting bespoke estate plans that champion your objectives of wealth preservation and family harmony. Recognizing that each client is unique, we take pride in delivering services customized to your specific needs, situations, and aspirations.

We strive to empower our senior clients, equipping them with the knowledge to understand their legal rights and maintain their independence as long as possible. We achieve this by providing comprehensive legal services that encompass all their needs.

Our Estate Plans Include:

LAST WILL & TESTAMENT – This document outlines your wishes on how to distribute your estate after your passing as well as establishing guardianship for any minor children.

PERSONAL DIRECTIVE – Also known as a Living Will, Health Care Directive, or Advance Decision, it appoints a trusted individual to make health and personal care decisions for you, should you become unable to communicate or provide consent.

POWER OF ATTORNEY – This empowers someone you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf, if you become incapable of communication or consent.

Remember, the choice of a lawyer for your estate plan shouldn’t be solely cost-driven. Wills aren’t cookie-cutter documents – their quality and inclusiveness can vary significantly. As these important legal document impact you and your loved ones’ future, it’s crucial to prioritize an experienced lawyer who ensures your wishes are accurately recorded and fulfilled. A poorly drafted will can lead to unintended outcomes and legal disputes, often costly to settle. At SUMMIT LEGAL GROUP, we offer flat rate fees and expert advice on all aspects of Estate Planning.

Ready to safeguard your legacy and create peace of mind for your loved ones? Secure your future with SUMMIT LEGAL GROUP, because your legacy matters.

Navigating the probate process can often feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. At Summit Legal Group, we’re here to provide guidance, clarity, and peace of mind.

Probate is the legal process that recognizes an Executor’s authority to administer an estate under a valid Will, granted through the Surrogate Court. When there’s no Will, the process involves applying for a Grant of Administration, determining who’s legally entitled to manage the estate.

Whether it’s a Grant of Probate or Administration, our role is to simplify these legal processes, ensuring the deceased’s assets are distributed as per their wishes, or in line with the law.

Assuming the responsibility of estate administration can be daunting with numerous legal considerations. Our seasoned team of probate lawyers will help streamline the process, guiding you meticulously through the complexities of estate administration.

Our estate services include:

ESTATE ASSESSMENT We evaluate the estate and assets to determine the necessity of Probate and Administration.

WILL EXAMINATION We review the Will to identify the appointed Executor and beneficiaries.

IDENTIFYING LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES For intestate cases (where there is no Will), we aid in identifying the individual legally entitled to apply for personal representation.

APPLICATION FOR PROBATE OR ADMINISTRATION We manage the application process for a Grant of Probate or Administration.

ESTATE ADMINISTRATION ADVISORY We offer sound advice to executors, personal representatives, and beneficiaries during the estate administration process.

RESEALING A GRANT OF PROBATE OR ADMINSTRATION We handle to process of resealing a grant for probate and administration.

With Summit Legal Group by your side, you can confidently navigate the probate and estate administration process, ensuring your loved one’s assets are handled with the utmost respect and diligence.

Executors are individuals who hold significant moral and legal responsibility for the successful settlement of a testator’s estate and are often considered the most trusted and influential people in the testator’s life.

Being an executor, or personal representative, of an estate is a difficult and emotionally taxing task that requires extensive time, knowledge, and expertise. We possess in-depth knowledge of all aspects of estate administration. This uniquely equips us to guide executors through potential issues and steer them towards the right professionals and solutions required to fulfill their responsibilities.

Our Certified Executor Advisor (CEA), Craig Gorham, possesses a specialized knowledge required to aid executors through the estate administration process. He provides guidance and support to personal representatives to help them fulfill their estate administration duties effectively and efficiently.

Craig is an active member of the Canadian Institute of Certified Executor Advisors.

At our Calgary, Alberta-based law firm, we specialize in guiding individuals and families through the complex processes of adult guardianship, trusteeship, and care of Dependent Adults. Understanding that each situation embodies unique emotional and personal challenges, our dedicated lawyers offer compassionate, professional assistance to ensure the well-being and financial security of your vulnerable loved ones.

Our Services

Navigating the landscape of legal guardianship and trusteeship demands expertise and sensitivity. SUMMIT LEGAL GROUP can assist with:

Guardianship Applications

When an adult lacks the capacity to make personal decisions regarding their living situation, health care, education, associations, or legal matters, a court-appointed guardian is essential. Our experienced legal team can facilitate the application process to appoint a guardian, ensuring that your loved one’s personal needs and rights are thoroughly protected.

Trusteeship Applications

For adults who are unable to manage their financial affairs, we provide expert services in applying for a court-appointed trustee. Trustees have the legal authority to handle all financial aspects, including bill payments, asset liquidation, income management, and dealings with financial institutions and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Examination and Approval of Trusteeship Accounts

Maintaining transparency and accountability in financial dealings is crucial for trustees. We help prepare and submit the necessary documents for the examination and approval of trusteeship accounts, ensuring all financial activities meet legal standards.

Urgent Guardianship and Trusteeship Applications

In situations that require immediate action to protect an adult’s personal or financial welfare, our legal team can expedite the application process for appointing a guardian or trustee on an urgent basis.

Trustee Appointments for Limited Purposes

There are instances where an adult may hold an interest in a third-party estate or specific financial matters require attention. Our services include applying to appoint a trustee for a limited purpose to address these unique needs effectively.

Who We Serve

Our focus extends to adults and caregivers who are responsible for the welfare of Dependent Adults, such as adult children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

We understand the weight of the responsibility placed upon the caregiver. With a holistic approach grounded in empathy and professionalism, we are committed to navigating you through the legalities, ensuring your loved ones’ safety, dignity, and quality of life. If you’re faced with the task of establishing legal guardianship or trusteeship to safeguard the well-being of a loved one, our lawyers are here to offer the vital support and guidance you require.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today. Together, we can protect the interests and futures of those who matter most.