Your Life, Your Legacy, Your Way.
Wills & Estates
We believe a person's legacy isn't about being around forever; it's about creating something that will.
Wills and Estate Services
Zen Law, based in Edmonton, is dedicated to supporting you with all your Wills and Estates needs. We understand that creating a Will can feel overwhelming, but it is a vital step in ensuring your wishes are honored and your estate is properly managed.
At Zen Law, we approach this deeply personal process with care and professionalism. Our experienced team provides the guidance you need to clearly articulate your intentions and ensure your Will complies with Canadian laws.
Thoughtful Estate planning not only ensures your legacy aligns with your wishes but also safeguards your loved ones and prepares for any future physical or mental incapacity. We respect the sensitivity and unique circumstances surrounding family dynamics and are committed to addressing your needs with compassion and expertise.
Let us help you secure peace of mind for yourself and those you care about most.
Do you want more information on Wills and Estate Law? Contact Zen Law
Safeguard Your Legacy with Thoughtful Wills & Estate Planning
Planning your Estate is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your assets and provide for your loved ones' future. At Zen Law, we offer comprehensive estate planning services tailored to your specific needs, helping you navigate the complexities of creating Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Personal Directives.
Our approach is:
Sensitive: We understand the deeply personal nature of Estate planning and handle every matter with care and discretion.
Respectful: Your values, wishes, and family dynamics guide the process to ensure your plans align with your intentions.
Customized: We take the time to understand your financial objectives and long-term goals, crafting an Estate plan that reflects your unique situation.
Let Zen Law help you protect your legacy and provide peace of mind for you and your family. Contact our Wills & Estates team today to start planning for your future.
Wills Written by a Lawyer
Creating a Will is one of the most important ways to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected. It allows you to decide who will manage your estate and how your assets will be distributed, giving you and your family peace of mind in knowing everything is in order. At Zen Law, we understand that this is not just a legal process—it’s a deeply personal one.
We also recognize that life brings changes—marriage, children, or other significant milestones—and your Will should reflect those moments. Updating and revisiting your plans regularly ensures that your loved ones are taken care of in the way you envision.
At Zen Law, we are here to ease any concerns you may have. Our compassionate Wills & Estates team is ready to support you in preparing your Will, setting up Testamentary Trusts, reviewing existing Wills, or updating them with codicils. We’re also here to guide you through the complexities of unique situations, like understanding holographic Wills, all with the care and sensitivity you deserve.
Whether you’re planning for yourself or your family, we create Wills that comply with legislation and clearly reflect your personal wishes, ensuring your loved ones are protected.
Let us help simplify the process and provide you with the reassurance that your wishes will be honored and your family will be supported. At Zen Law, we’re committed to guiding you with kindness, respect, and professionalism every step of the way.
what’s most important when you need it the most.
Power of Attorney in Alberta
Choosing the right Power of Attorney (POA) is an important step in safeguarding your future and ensuring your wishes are respected. At Zen Law, we understand that this decision can feel complex, especially with the different types of POAs available, such as enduring, general, specific, and durable Power of Attorney.
Our compassionate team is here to guide you through the process, explaining the benefits and potential risks of each option in clear, straightforward terms. We take the time to listen to your unique needs and help you make an informed decision about the type of POA that will work best for you and your loved ones.
Whether you're planning for the unexpected, addressing specific situations, or preparing for long-term needs, Zen Law is here to provide the support and understanding you deserve. Let us help you create a plan that brings you peace of mind and ensures your family is cared for in the way you intend.
Personal Directives in Alberta
As we journey through life, planning for the future becomes an act of care and love for ourselves and those closest to us. There may come a time when you are unable to make decisions about your health or well-being due to a loss of mental capacity. Preparing a Personal Directive, Advanced Care Plan, or Advanced Medical Directive empowers someone you trust to make these important decisions on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are honored.
These directives cover vital choices, including the treatments and medicines you would or would not want, as well as decisions about your living arrangements. Without a Personal Directive in place, your loved ones may face the difficult task of applying to the Alberta courts for guardianship, adding stress and uncertainty during an already challenging time.
At Zen Law, we are here to help you take this essential step in protecting your future. Our compassionate team will guide you through the process, ensuring your wishes are clearly expressed and legally upheld. By planning ahead, you can bring peace of mind to yourself and your loved ones, knowing that your care Will align with your values and preferences. Let us help you create a plan that gives you confidence in what lies ahead.
Trusts and Estate Administration
For those with more complex needs, we assist with trust setup and Estate administration, offering long-term security and streamlined inheritance management for your peace of mind.
Our experienced team is here to help you plan effectively, ensuring your assets and legacy are safeguarded for generations to come. Contact us today to learn more about our Wills & Estates services.
Why Hire A Lawyer
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Many people believe that a Will is only necessary for those who are older or have significant wealth. In reality, everyone should have a Will. It is the only way to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, honoring the friends, family, and charities that matter most to you. A Will also allows you to establish special trusts, designate who will manage your estate, specify funeral arrangements, and appoint legal guardians for your children.
Without a Will, the government decides how your property is distributed and who will manage your estate. This could lead to unintended outcomes, such as loved ones being overlooked or someone you intended to exclude, like an estranged spouse, receiving everything.
Having a Will also alleviates the burden on the loved ones you leave behind. Without one, the estate can become entangled in legal delays, leaving a spouse or children in need of funds without access for months or even years. The additional costs and emotional stress caused by the absence of a Will make it essential, even for the simplest of estates.
At Zen Law, we are here to help you create a Will that reflects your values and provides security for your family. Let us guide you through this important process, ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for.
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When someone passes away, the assets and property they leave behind are referred to as their "estate." Managing and distributing the estate is the responsibility of an "executor," a role that carries significant legal and practical duties. To fulfill these responsibilities, the executor must obtain a "Grant of Probate" from the Court.
The executor's role involves numerous tasks, including arranging the funeral, settling outstanding debts, obtaining the death certificate, applying for the Grant of Probate, identifying and valuing all estate property, locating beneficiaries, notifying banks and insurance companies, preparing tax returns, and ultimately distributing the estate to the beneficiaries. If the Will establishes special trusts, the executor may also be responsible for administering those trusts.
All expenses incurred in administering the estate, including legal fees, are covered by the estate itself. Executors are also entitled to fair compensation for their time and effort. To receive this compensation, the executor must maintain detailed records of the work completed on behalf of the estate.
At Zen Law, we understand that acting as an executor can be both complex and emotionally taxing. Our experienced team is here to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you fulfill your duties with confidence and clarity. Let us help you navigate this important responsibility with professionalism and care.
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Administering an estate can be a complex and overwhelming process, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Zen Law, we are here to support you every step of the way. We’ll provide clear guidance on your duties and responsibilities, handle all the necessary paperwork, and ensure that no important details are overlooked. If challenges or disputes arise, we’ll offer expert advice and strong representation to protect your rights and navigate the situation with confidence.
A valid Will is the cornerstone of a smooth estate administration. At Zen Law, we ensure your Will is carefully drafted, properly signed, and meets all legal requirements. We take great care to craft clauses that truly reflect your wishes, giving you peace of mind that your estate will be handled exactly as you intend.
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized advice and assistance to help you plan your Will effectively. We’ll review your unique circumstances, discuss your goals, and recommend the best structure to achieve them. At Zen Law, we are committed to helping you protect your legacy and provide security for your loved ones with professionalism and care.
Estate Litigation
Disputes involving a Will or cases of disinheritance can be deeply emotional and legally complex. At Zen Law, our experienced civil litigation team is here to provide support and guidance during these challenging situations. Whether you are contesting a Will or defending an Estate against a challenge, we are committed to representing your interests with professionalism and compassion.
We work with beneficiaries, executors, and administrators, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and expert counsel. At Zen Law, we understand the sensitivities surrounding such disputes and pride ourselves on handling each case with the utmost care, respect, and dedication.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone—let us help you navigate the legal process with confidence and support. Your concerns are our priority, and we are here to advocate for the best possible outcome for you and your family.
We at Zen Law pride ourselves on handling each client with the utmost care.
Probate Applications
In Alberta, when someone with real property or assets passes away with a Will, the Estate must apply for a Grant of Probate to confirm the Will's validity. This process can be complex and often comes at an already emotional and challenging time for loved ones.
At Zen Law, our compassionate Wills and Estates team is here to support families through every step of this process, offering guidance and understanding during a time when it is needed most. By preparing a Will in advance, you can spare your family from unnecessary stress and uncertainty, ensuring your wishes are clearly outlined and legally recognized.
Taking the time to plan now not only provides clarity and peace of mind for you but also helps your loved ones navigate the future with confidence and ease. Let Zen Law help you create a plan that protects what matters most to you.
Letters of Administration
Letters of Administration are essential in situations where someone passes away without a Will (intestate). Similar to the Probate process, a Grant of Administration is required to determine who will administer the Estate and how the Estate will be distributed among the rightful heirs.
At Zen Law, we understand that navigating this process during a time of loss can be overwhelming. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring that the process is handled with care, professionalism, and sensitivity to your unique situation.
While similar to Probate, the administration process can come with its own complexities. Let us help alleviate the burden, providing clear guidance and support to ensure that the Estate is managed in accordance with Alberta law and with respect for those involved. You don’t have to face this alone—Zen Law is here to support you.
