Ontario Estate Law Services
Your trusted source for estate law and wills in Ontario
We do house calls
Welcome to McNamara Law Services
Wills Probate Trusts
Powers of Attorney
and much more.
COVID-19 UPDATE: We are OPEN and MOBILE
During these uncertain times, McNamara Law remains OPEN for business and committed to providing you with our full range of mobile services.
Because all of our services, including the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate Applications and Notary services, have always been MOBILE, the shift to social distancing is seamless for us and more importantly, for our clients.
Most of our meetings and communications can be facilitated virtually and if we need to meet in person, appropriate physical distancing and the wearing of masks and gloves by our team will be in place in order to protect those in our community and avoid the transmission of COVID-19.
In addition, we can prepare all of your estate planning documents on an emergency basis if needed, as part of our Priority Service.
We welcome the opportunity to be of service to you and offer you peace of mind during these challenging times.
Estate Planning Services
At McNamara Law we understand how important it is to engage our clients in the estate planning process, whether their estates are straightforward or very complex. Each client is unique and we take the time to create a customized estate plan together.
Depending on the personal circumstances of our clients, estate planning discussions may include the following topics:
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Personal circumstances & family dynamics;
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Registered assets & insurance policies;
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Foreign executors, beneficiaries and/or assets;
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Impact of marriage, divorce and death;
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Dependent Support Claims;
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Corporate shares;
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Philanthropic intentions;
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Business succession planning;
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Farm property;
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Testamentary trusts;
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Care of minor children, adult dependents & pets; and
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Other circumstances which may impact estate plans.
Most clients need a Will and Powers of Attorney to complete their estate plans.
In our view, it is absolutely paramount that clients understand what they are signing and how their documents achieve their objectives down the road. Most importantly, we give our clients peace of mind knowing they have a sound estate plan in place.
What is a Will?
A Will is a document that disposes of someone’s assets after their death. If someone dies without a valid Will, the relevant intestacy legislation applies which could result in unintended consequences. Our clients have the freedom to decide what happens to their assets after they are gone, ensuring their loved ones are taken care of according to their wishes.
What is a Power of Attorney for Property?
A Power of Attorney for Property grants someone the authority to manage a person’s financial affairs, which may include but is not limited to, dealing with bank accounts, investments, bill payments, tax returns, real estate and other financial products and/or services.
What is a Power of Attorney for Personal Care?
A Power of Attorney for Personal Care grants someone the authority to make health care decisions on behalf of a person. This may include but is not limited to, dealing with health care practitioners, long-term care facilities and loved ones. Clients may wish to incorporate a Living Will into their document, which provides their attorney with guidance on health care decisions.
We help our clients consider the best options in the event of their incapacity. We work with our clients to help them select an appropriate attorney to manage their affairs if they are no longer able to do so.
"Erin thank you again for taking the time with my mother. She very much appreciated your time and advice. I know that she will be singing your praises to all of her neighbours and friends." - John L., Ottawa
Probate
(Certificates of Appointment of Estate Trustee)
The executor or estate representative is responsible for obtaining a Certificate of Appointment from the court, which confirms their authority to administer an estate.
The application process for a Certificate of Appointment can be onerous and lengthy and is subject to court supervision and audit. It’s critical that filing is done accurately and within the prescribed timelines. By assisting our clients with the application process, we help ease the administrative burden they are facing – a welcome relief during a difficult and busy time in their lives.
Notary Public and Commissioning Services
We provide the following Notary Public & Commissioning services:
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Notarial copies of original documents
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Administration of Oaths for Affidavits
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Administration of Oaths for Statutory Declarations
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Guarantor for passport applications
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Consent to travel letters for children
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Witnessing of legal agreements
We provide mobile notary services between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. We can accommodate clients outside of these times upon request.
Estate Planning Seminars
Estate planning is an area of law that is becoming increasingly complex. Understanding all the moving parts is key to creating a solid estate plan.
At McNamara Law, we provide educational seminars that help you navigate through the complexity and understand what you need to consider when planning your estate.
Some topics included are:
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Appointing an appropriate Executor
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Ways to minimize probate fees
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Ways to minimize estate taxes
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Effective use of trusts
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What happens if you don’t have a Will
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Foreign assets
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Foreign beneficiaries
The key to successful estate planning is having the correct knowledge to make informed decisions. Knowledge is power - contact us today to book your seminar.
All of our services are conveniently mobile - we'll come to you!
Serving Eastern Ontario, including: Ottawa, Orleans, Rockland, Embrun, Russell, Navan, Hawkesbury, Vankleek Hill, Pembroke, Cobden, Cornwall, Kanata, Kemptville, Merrickville, Carleton Place, Brockville, Smiths Falls, Almonte, Perth, Arnprior, Renfrew, and Prescott.
Serving the GTA, including: Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Pickering, Ajax. Whitby, Oshawa, Scarborough, Hamilton, and Port Hope.
Erin McNamara
Barrister & Solicitor
Erin McNamara is a graduate of Queen’s Faculty of Law and is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario, County of Carleton Law Association and Ottawa Estate Planning Council.
In addition to her law practice, Erin is a Professor at University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, where she teaches Wills and the Law of Succession. Erin formerly served on the Board of Directors of Reach Canada, and continues to provide pro bono services for the organization. Erin also regularly presents seminars on estate planning topics for various organizations.
In her spare time, Ms. McNamara enjoys performing with Murder Mystery Ottawa and BigTIme Murder Productions.