Why Every Ontario Resident Needs a Will
Your life's work — your home, savings, investments, and most importantly your family — deserves a clear, legally binding plan. A professionally drafted will ensures your assets go exactly where you intend, and that the people you love are protected.
At Ellahi Law, we recognize that every client's situation is unique. We take a personalized approach to understand your wishes, your family's needs, and your long-term goals — then we execute a plan tailored specifically for you.
- ✓Control Your EstateDecide exactly who inherits your property, investments, savings, and digital assets.
- ✓Protect Your ChildrenName a trusted guardian for your minor children rather than leaving the decision to a court.
- ✓Choose Your ExecutorAppoint a person you trust to manage debts, taxes, and the distribution of your estate.
- ✓Prevent Family ConflictClear, documented instructions significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes among loved ones.
- ✓Make Meaningful GiftsLeave specific assets, sums, or charitable donations to the people and causes you care about.
- ✓Minimize Taxes & DelaysStrategic estate planning can reduce estate administration tax and speed up the process for your heirs.
- ✓Avoid Intestacy LawsWithout a will, Ontario's default rules — not your wishes — determine who receives your estate.
- ✓Peace of MindKnow that your family is taken care of, exactly the way you intended, no matter what happens.
Last Will vs. Power of Attorney — What's the Difference?
Both documents are essential parts of a complete estate plan. Here's what each one does for you and your family.
Last Will & Testament
A Last Will and Testament is the legal document that records your instructions for distributing all your assets, property, and possessions among your beneficiaries after your death. It names your executor, appoints guardians for minor children, and sets out the division of your estate in clear legal terms.
Without this document, Ontario's intestacy laws determine who receives your assets — often not in the way you would have chosen.
Power of Attorney for Property & Health
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf while you are still alive. A POA for Property allows your appointed attorney to manage your finances, banking, real estate, and investments if you become incapable. A POA for Personal Care allows them to make healthcare, housing, and personal decisions when you are unable to do so yourself.
Without a Power of Attorney in place, your family may need to apply to court for guardianship — a costly and time-consuming process that can be avoided with proper planning.
Clear, Affordable Wills Lawyer Fees — No Hidden Charges
Our pricing is fully transparent and compliant. What you see is exactly what you pay — inclusive of all law office disbursements.
- ✓Free consultation with a Wills Lawyer
- ✓One Last Will & Testament
- ✓Affidavit of Execution
- ✓Appointment of Executor & Guardian
- ✓Equal or specified division of assets
- ✓2 revisions before signing
- ✓All law office disbursements included
- ✗Tax planning (available separately)
- ✓Free consultation for both partners
- ✓Two Last Wills & Testaments
- ✓Two Affidavits of Execution
- ✓Guardians for minor children
- ✓Complex or custom asset division
- ✓2 revisions per will before signing
- ✓All law office disbursements included
- ✗Tax planning (available separately)
- ✓Blended families & multiple beneficiaries
- ✓Primary & secondary will (probate reduction)
- ✓Family trusts & testamentary trusts
- ✓Henson Trusts (special needs beneficiaries)
- ✓Business succession planning
- ✓Estate & tax planning included
- ✓Charitable giving strategies
- ✓All disbursements included
All fees are compliant. Disbursements are included — no last-minute surprises. HST applies to all fees. Tax planning is available as an add-on service.
Power of Attorney — Protect Yourself During Your Lifetime
A Power of Attorney is one of the most important documents you can have while you are still alive. It appoints a trusted person to make critical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Power of Attorney for Property
Authorizes a trusted person (your "attorney") to manage your financial and property affairs — including banking, real estate transactions, and investments — if you become unable to do so yourself.
- ✓ Consultation & instructions intake
- ✓ Professionally drafted document
- ✓ 3 revisions before signing
- ✓ Signing/execution appointment
- ✓ All disbursements included
Power of Attorney for Personal Care
Appoints a trusted person to make personal care and healthcare decisions on your behalf — including medical treatment, housing, and daily care — if you lose the capacity to decide for yourself.
- ✓ Consultation & instructions intake
- ✓ Professionally drafted document
- ✓ 3 revisions before signing
- ✓ Signing/execution appointment
- ✓ All disbursements included
Bundle your Mirror Wills + both Powers of Attorney for a comprehensive estate plan. Contact us for a package quote.
How It Works at Ellahi Law
Getting your will done is simpler than you think. We handle the legal complexity — you just need to share your wishes.
Free Consultation
Book a free 15-minute call or meeting to discuss your situation and determine which services you need.
Instructions Intake
We gather your wishes — beneficiaries, executor, guardian for children, and any specific gifts or instructions.
Drafting & Review
We professionally draft your documents. You receive up to 3 revisions to ensure everything is exactly right.
Signing & Completion
We arrange a signing/execution appointment — in-person or virtually — and your documents are complete.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Ontario?
Dying without a will — known as dying "intestate" — means Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act determines who receives your estate. This rigid formula rarely reflects what you would have chosen, and can leave your loved ones with serious consequences:
- ⚠️Your spouse may not receive your full estate — it may be split with children under a statutory formula
- ⚠️A court appoints a guardian for your minor children — not the person you would have chosen
- ⚠️Common-law partners receive nothing under Ontario's intestacy rules
- ⚠️The probate process is longer, more expensive, and more stressful without a will
- ⚠️Family conflicts and legal disputes become far more likely
- ⚠️Charitable gifts you intended to make cannot be honoured
Don't Leave It to Chance
A professionally drafted will from Ellahi Law starts at just $500 + HST — a small investment to protect everything you've built and everyone you love.
Book Free Consultation →Or call us: 416-551-1155Probate Assistance in Ontario
If you are managing a loved one's estate, you may need to apply for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee — commonly known as probate. While you are not legally required to use a lawyer, a probate lawyer ensures your application is complete, accurate, and processed as quickly as possible.
Ellahi Law assists estate trustees with probate applications, estate tax advice, asset distribution, and navigating the complexities of Ontario's estate administration process.
What Is a Codicil?
A Codicil is a formal amendment to an existing Will. It is used to make minor changes — such as adding or removing a beneficiary, updating your executor, or reflecting a change in assets — without requiring an entirely new will to be drafted.
If your life circumstances have changed since you last made your will (marriage, divorce, new children, new property), contact Ellahi Law to discuss whether a Codicil or an updated Will is the right approach.
Update My Existing Will🌐 We serve clients Ontario-wide: Estate planning consultations available in English, Urdu & Punjabi | Virtual & In-Person Appointments Available Across Ontario
Wills & Estates — Common Questions Answered
Have more questions? Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation with a Toronto Wills Lawyer.
QHow much does a will cost in Toronto?
At Ellahi Law, a single will starts at $500 + HST, including a Last Will & Testament, 2 revisions, and all disbursements. Mirror wills for two spouses start at $849 + HST.
QDo I need a lawyer to make a will in Ontario?
You are not legally required to use a lawyer, but a professionally drafted will ensures your document is legally valid, clearly worded, and far less likely to be challenged or misinterpreted. Online templates carry significant risk for complex or even moderate estates.
QWhat is the difference between a will and a living will?
A Last Will governs how your assets are distributed after your death. A Living Will (Healthcare Directive) records your healthcare wishes for situations where you are alive but unable to communicate — such as serious illness or incapacity. Both are included in Ellahi Law's will packages.
QDo I need a lawyer to update my will?
While you can update a will without a lawyer, professional guidance is strongly recommended — especially for significant changes. Improperly executed changes can invalidate the entire document. Ellahi Law can assist with codicils or a full updated will.
QHow long does the probate process take in Ontario?
The probate process in Ontario typically takes several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate, whether there are disputes, and court processing times. A lawyer can significantly streamline the application and reduce the risk of rejection.
QWhat happens if my loved one died without a will?
When someone dies without a will in Ontario, their estate is distributed under the Succession Law Reform Act — a rigid formula that may not reflect their wishes. Ellahi Law can assist you in understanding the intestacy rules and navigating estate administration.
QCan a will be contested in Ontario?
Yes. A will can be challenged on grounds including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, improper execution, or failure to provide for dependants. A professionally drafted will significantly reduces the risk of a successful challenge.
QCan I reduce estate taxes through planning?
Yes. Strategic estate planning — including primary and secondary wills, family trusts, and charitable giving — can reduce estate administration tax and other costs. Ellahi Law offers estate and tax planning advice for complex estates beyond our standard packages.
Secure Your Family's Future Today
Don't put it off. A professionally drafted will from Ellahi Law starts at $500 + HST. Book your free 15-minute consultation — no pressure, no obligation.
Ellahi Law Professional Corporation — Proudly Serving Clients Across All of Ontario
Wills & Estates Lawyer Serving All of Ontario
Ellahi Law provides professional will drafting, power of attorney, and estate planning services to clients across Ontario — virtually or in-person.