Practice Area
Wills & Estates
Planning Ahead Protects Everyone
A will and a power of attorney are among the most important legal documents you'll ever sign. Yet most people put off estate planning until it's urgent — or too late. Without proper documents in place, your assets may not go where you intend, and your family may lack the legal authority to act when they need it most.
At Krol & Krol, we've handled estate planning and administration for Ontario families for over 40 years. We draft wills, powers of attorney, and estate plans that are clear, legally sound, and tailored to your specific situation — no templates.
We also support executors through the estate administration process — from probate application through final distribution.
Do You Need a Wills & Estates Lawyer?
You should consult an estate planning lawyer if you:
- Own property (home, cottage, rental properties)
- Have children under 18 or dependents with special needs
- Own a business or professional practice
- Have assets over $50,000 (probate threshold)
- Have blended family situations (second marriages, stepchildren)
- Are executor of someone else's estate
- Haven't updated your will in 5+ years
Services We Provide
Wills
Drafting, updating, and ensuring your will complies with Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act. Clear beneficiary designations, guardianship provisions, and executor instructions.
Powers of Attorney
Setting up Powers of Attorney for property and personal care so your wishes are respected if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions on your own.
Estate Planning
Strategies for minimizing estate taxes, protecting family businesses, and transferring wealth effectively across generations.
Estate Administration
Guiding executors through the probate process, asset distribution, creditor claims, and final accounting. We handle the complexity so your family doesn't have to.
Probate Applications
Preparing and filing applications for Certificates of Appointment of Estate Trustee (probate) with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Estate Disputes
Advising beneficiaries and executors on contested wills, dependant's relief claims, and disputes over estate administration.
What to Expect When Working With Us
Initial Consultation
We review your family structure, assets, goals, and concerns. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what documents you need and estimated costs.
Customized Document Preparation
We draft your will, powers of attorney, and any estate planning documents tailored to your specific situation — no cookie-cutter templates.
Review & Signing Appointment
We explain every provision, answer your questions, and ensure proper execution with all legal requirements met.
Implementation & Support
You'll receive your executed documents with guidance on safekeeping. We're available for updates as your life circumstances change.
Estate Administration Support
If you've been named executor, we handle the complex legal process from probate application through final distribution.
FAQs About Wills & Estates
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Ontario?
You don't legally need a lawyer, but many self-made wills are invalid or unclear due to technical errors in execution, witnessing, or language. A wills and estates lawyer ensures your will complies with Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act, is properly signed and witnessed, and accurately reflects your wishes in legally enforceable language.
What happens if I die without a will in Ontario?
If you die intestate (without a will), your estate is distributed according to Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act — which may not reflect your wishes. Your spouse and children share the estate in a formula set by law, and the court appoints an estate trustee. It also means no one has authority to act for you without a court order.
What is a Power of Attorney and why do I need one?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document authorizing someone you trust to act on your behalf. A POA for Property allows your attorney to manage finances and property if you're incapacitated. A POA for Personal Care covers healthcare and living decisions. Without these in place, your family may need a costly and slow court process to gain legal authority to help you.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will after any major life event — marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary or executor, significant asset change, or relocation. As a general rule, review it every 3–5 years. Note that marriage automatically revokes a will in Ontario unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage.
What does an executor do?
An executor (estate trustee) is responsible for administering your estate — locating and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, applying for probate if required, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. It's a significant legal and administrative responsibility. We assist executors through the entire process.
What is probate and when is it required?
Probate is the court process of officially recognizing the executor's authority and validating the will. In Ontario, financial institutions and land registry offices typically require probate before releasing or transferring assets. Probate also involves paying estate administration tax (approximately 1.5% of the estate value above $50,000).
Speak With a Wills & Estates Lawyer
Whether you need a new will, powers of attorney, or help administering an estate, we're ready to help. Contact Krol & Krol to book a consultation.
Book a Consultation