WILLS, ESTATES & TRUSTS LAWYERS IN DARTMOUTH & HALIFAX
Estate planning is about more than preparing legal documents. It is about protecting your loved ones, preserving your wishes, and providing clarity and guidance for the people who matter most to you.
For many individuals and families, a carefully prepared estate plan can help reduce uncertainty, minimize potential disputes, and simplify the administration of an estate. At Landry McGillivray, we provide practical legal advice and personalized estate planning solutions for clients throughout Dartmouth, Halifax, and Nova Scotia.
Whether you are preparing your first will, updating an existing estate plan, establishing a trust, appointing a power of attorney, or administering a loved one's estate, our experienced lawyers can help you plan confidently for the future.
Estate Planning Services
Our wills, estates, and trusts practice includes a broad range of planning and estate administration services.
Wills & Estate Planning
A properly drafted will allows you to determine how your assets will be distributed, who will manage your estate, and who will care for your minor children if necessary. Without a valid will, important decisions may be left to provincial legislation and the courts rather than your personal wishes.
Our lawyers assist with:
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Preparation of wills
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Estate planning strategies
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Review and updating of existing wills
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Appointment of executors, trustees, and guardians
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Tax-efficient estate planning
Trusts & Wealth Preservation
Trusts can be valuable tools for managing assets, protecting beneficiaries, supporting charitable goals, and facilitating long-term wealth planning.
Our lawyers provide guidance on:
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Family trusts
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Testamentary trusts
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Trust administration
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Trust planning for minor children and dependants
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Wealth preservation strategies
Business Succession Planning
Business owners face unique estate planning considerations. We work with entrepreneurs, professionals, and family businesses to develop succession plans that support a smooth transition while protecting both personal and business interests.
Powers of Attorney & Personal Directives
Planning for the unexpected is an important part of any estate plan. We can help you prepare legal documents that allow trusted individuals to make financial or personal decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so.
Services include:
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Enduring Powers of Attorney
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Personal Directives
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Living Wills
Probate & Estate Administration
The administration of an estate can be a complex process involving court applications, tax matters, debt payments, and asset distribution.
Our team assists executors, administrators, and beneficiaries with:
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Probate applications
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Estate administration
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Executor guidance
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Estate accounting
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Asset transfers
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Tax considerations
Estate Litigation & Will Challenges
When disputes arise regarding the validity of a will, estate administration, or beneficiary rights, our lawyers can provide advice and representation to help resolve the matter efficiently and effectively.
Why Is Having A Will Important?
Many people assume estate planning is only necessary for individuals with significant wealth. In reality, anyone who wishes to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes should have a properly prepared will.
A will can help:
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Ensure your wishes are clearly documented
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Appoint an executor to manage your estate
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Name a guardian for minor children
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Reduce delays and administrative complications
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Help minimize disputes among family members
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Support tax and estate planning objectives
Without a will, decisions regarding your estate may be determined according to Nova Scotia law rather than your personal wishes.
Understanding Executors, Trustees & Guardians
Executor
An executor is responsible for managing your estate after your death, including gathering assets, paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing property according to your will.
Trustee
A trustee manages assets that are held in trust for beneficiaries, such as minor children or dependants, and ensures those assets are administered according to the terms of the trust.
Guardian
For parents of young children, appointing a guardian can provide important direction regarding who would care for your children should you pass away before they reach adulthood.
Your Last Will & Testament Guide
Our guide explains many of the important questions people should consider when preparing a will, including executors, guardians, trustees, estate administration, tax considerations, and protecting loved ones.
Download our Last Will & Testament Guide to learn more.