Wills, Estates + Trusts

For over 100 years, Field Law has supported clients across western and northern Canada with thoughtful, forward-looking legal advice. Our Wills, Estates + Trusts group is one of the largest in Alberta, with extensive experience in wills and estate planning, estate administration, trusts, guardianship and trusteeship, and estate litigation.

Estate laws vary by province and territory, so it is important to have legal guidance that reflects those differences. With lawyers called to the Bar in Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories, we provide regionally informed advice and cross-jurisdictional support that ensures clients plan effectively and avoid complications.

Wills + Estate Planning

We can advise you on how to most effectively organize your affairs to avoid costs and litigation and to ensure your that your assets and business interests are protected and appropriately dealt within the event of your death or incapacity. Our team can work with you on drafting Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives to meet your personal objectives and to provide for your loved ones.

Estate Administration

Many people who are named as estate trustees or executors in a Will have no training or experience in the role. The process of estate administration is often not straightforward, and technical requirements imposed by the common law and legislation must be met. Consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer early in an estate administration helps to ensure that the administration proceeds in a timely and efficient manner, minimizing costs and inconvenience.

Trusts

Whether you are developing a business succession plan or want to protect your family's future, we recognize that estate planning does not happen in isolation of your broader goals. Our role is to design and help implement customized estate planning strategies to protect what matters most to you. We can assist with the preparation and administration of multiple types of trusts to address various priorities such as to ensure ongoing care for a vulnerable loved one or the long-term ownership of a family cottage.

Guardianship + Trusteeship

Guardianship and Trusteeship pertain to the authority to make decisions regarding the property and finances and personal care of an incapacitated adult. Guardianship and Trusteeship applications are lengthy, detailed and require a detailed plan to manage the assets and personal matters of an incapable person. Guardianship and Trusteeship applications are often required when an incapable adult did not otherwise did not have appropriate planning documents in place, illustrating the importance of proper advance planning.   

Estate Litigation + Dispute Resolution

Estate litigation is governed by a separate set of procedural rules requiring specific legal knowledge. Contentious issues often arise at emotionally difficult times and litigation is not always the best solution. Our team has extensive experience working with executors, administrators, attorneys, agents, trustees and beneficiaries in the negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation of estate claims. We have the knowledge and experience to assist you with resolution of a wide range of disputes relating to Wills, trusts, and estate administration. We carefully consider and offer a range of dispute resolution and collaborative alternatives to the traditional litigation process.

Charities / Non-Profits

We advise both local and national charities and private foundations on governance issues to ensure compliance with CRA's strict rules regarding the operation of such entities. We also provide planned giving advice to individuals wishing to make significant charitable gifts, including helping individuals and families establish their own private foundations.

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