Burlington Wills & Estate Lawyers
Planning ahead protects the people and causes you care about. Whether you need a first will, an update after a life change, or help administering a loved one's estate, UL Lawyers provides clear, practical guidance from our downtown Burlington office.
- Free consultation · Transparent fees (flat-fee packages available for standard documents)
- Local and accessible: 552 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 2G8
- Speak to a lawyer: 905‑744‑8888 · info@ullaw.ca
How we help
Legal planning should feel calm and straightforward. Our role is to listen first, explain your options in plain language, and prepare tailored documents that reflect your wishes and protect your family.
Why Burlington families choose UL Lawyers
- Personalized advice: Plans for blended families, business owners, new Canadians, and complex estates.
- Efficient execution: In‑person or remote witnessing available where permitted.
- Practical focus: Coordination of beneficiary designations, digital assets, and tax‑aware strategies.
- Support for executors: Step‑by‑step guidance for probate and estate administration.
Services we offer
Wills & Codicils
- Comprehensive wills for individuals and couples
- Guardianship wishes for minor children
- Specific gifts, charitable bequests, and residue planning
- Backup executors and alternates
Powers of Attorney (Property & Personal Care)
- Property: someone you trust to manage finances if you're unable
- Personal Care: health and personal decisions if you cannot decide
- Guidance on choosing attorneys and discussing expectations
Estate Planning & Trusts
- Spousal, family, and testamentary trusts
- Henson trusts for beneficiaries with disabilities (to preserve ODSP eligibility)
- Multiple‑will planning for private company shares and complex asset mixes
- Business succession and blended family planning
- Strategies to reduce probate exposure and maintain privacy
Probate & Estate Administration
- Applications for Certificates of Appointment (with or without a will)
- Small Estate applications (where eligible)
- Executor support: notices, valuations, accounts, distributions, and releases
- Guidance on Estate Administration Tax and efficient estate settlement
Estate Litigation (when disputes arise)
- Will challenges/defences (capacity, undue influence, compliance)
- Dependant support claims/defences
- Passing of accounts, removal/replacement of estate trustees
- Guardianship and attorney disputes
We tailor the plan to your goals and budget, then execute it carefully and efficiently.
Ontario essentials (what to know)
- Remote witnessing is permitted for wills and powers of attorney via audio‑visual technology when conditions are met.
- Marriage no longer revokes a will for marriages on or after January 1, 2022.
- Separated spouses: As of January 1, 2025, separated spouses are treated more like divorced spouses for many inheritance rules.
- Small Estates: If an estate is $150,000 or less, Ontario offers a simplified probate process.
- Estate Administration Tax: $0 on the first $50,000; 1.5% on value over $50,000.
- Common‑law partners do not have the same automatic inheritance rights as married spouses.
Our process
- Discovery & goals — We map family, assets, and priorities.
- Design — Options for guardians, executors, trustees, and tax‑aware structures.
- Draft — Clear, plain‑language documents tailored to your wishes.
- Review — We walk you through every clause and answer questions.
- Execute — In‑person or compliant remote witnessing.
- Store & update — Secure copies, practical checklist, and future updates.
Burlington & areas we serve
We serve clients across Burlington, Halton Region, Hamilton, and the GTA—in person or virtually.
Office: UL Lawyers, 552 Brant Street, Burlington, ON L7R 2G8
Phone: 905‑744‑8888 · Email: info@ullaw.ca
Talk to a Burlington wills & estate lawyer today
Let's make a plan that protects your loved ones and brings peace of mind.
Call 905‑744‑8888 or request a free consultation.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and your circumstances are unique—please get advice tailored to you.
Related Legal Services
Visit Us
UL Lawyers Professional Corporation
552 Brant Street
Burlington, ON L7R 2G8
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
NEED A LAWYER?
We are here 24/7 to address your case. You can speak with a lawyer to request a consultation.
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Why Choose UL Lawyers
- Free consultation with transparent fees
- Flat-fee packages for standard documents
- Remote witnessing available
- Personalized advice for complex estates
- Executor support and probate guidance
FAQ About Wills and Estates
Get answers to the most common questions about wills and estates legal services and planning
Do I really need a will?
A will lets you choose your executor, guardians, beneficiaries, and tax‑aware distribution. Without one, Ontario law sets a default formula that may not reflect your wishes—especially for common‑law partners or blended families.
Can I sign my will online?
Ontario permits remote witnessing by audio‑visual technology in prescribed circumstances (one witness must be a lawyer or paralegal). We'll advise whether in‑person or remote execution best fits your situation and ensure the formalities are met.
How do I reduce probate costs?
Thoughtful planning may help—coordinating beneficiary designations, joint ownership where appropriate, multiple‑will planning for private shares, and trust structures. Every strategy has trade‑offs; we'll tailor an approach with your accountant/advisor.
What is a Henson trust?
A discretionary trust often used to benefit a person with a disability without jeopardizing ODSP eligibility, by giving trustees full discretion over payments rather than an enforceable right in the beneficiary.
Do I always need probate?
Not always. Some estates can be settled without court certificates, while others require a Certificate of Appointment. We'll assess assets, title requirements, and institutional policies to determine the right path.
What is the Estate Administration Tax?
In Ontario, there's no estate tax on inheritances, but most estates that go through probate pay an administration tax: $0 on the first $50,000, then 1.5% on the amount over $50,000.
We're separated—do we need to update our plans?
Yes. Separation can change rights under a will and on intestacy, and as of 2025 there are important updates affecting separated spouses. Review your plan promptly to avoid disputes.
How often should I review my documents?
Every 3–5 years or sooner after a major life event (marriage/separation, birth/adoption, business changes, selling a home, moving provinces, significant health changes).
Latest Wills & Estate News
Stay informed about recent developments, court decisions, and legal updates related to wills and estate planning in Ontario.
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