Wills and Estates Lawyer

Wills and Estate Lawyer

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Planning for the future is essential, especially when it comes to your property and assets. As a wills and estate lawyer in Toronto with a strong focus on real estate, I help clients protect their property interests through tailored estate planning. Whether you're looking to draft a will, manage estate transfers, or navigate the complexities of probate, I provide the legal guidance needed to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for.

With expertise in real estate law, I can address unique considerations like transferring property to beneficiaries, ensuring smooth transitions for real estate holdings, and advising on how best to structure your estate for tax efficiency. My goal is to give you peace of mind, knowing that your assets—including your home, investment properties, and land—are managed according to your wishes.


Drafting a Will

Creating a well-drafted will is an essential step in ensuring that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of. As an experienced wills and estate lawyer in Toronto, I assist clients in preparing wills and power of attorney documents that provide clarity and peace of mind. Whether you’re an individual planning your estate or a couple looking to create mirror wills, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs.

For couples, I prepare mirror wills that reflect each partner's wishes, ensuring consistency and coordination in the estate planning process. These wills are designed to simplify the administration of estates, providing a clear plan for the distribution of assets, including real estate properties, upon the passing of a spouse.

In addition to standard wills, I offer guidance in creating secondary wills, which can be particularly beneficial for those with real estate holdings. Secondary wills allow for the separation of specific assets, such as private company shares or property, to facilitate first dealings exemptions and potentially reduce probate fees. This strategy can be especially useful for clients looking to pass down investment properties or family homes.

Along with will preparation, I also draft power of attorney documents for personal care and property management, ensuring that your financial and health care decisions are in trusted hands if you become unable to manage them yourself. My goal is to provide comprehensive estate planning solutions that protect your interests and make the process as seamless as possible.


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Probate Applications

Navigating the probate process can be complex, especially when real estate is involved. As a wills and estate lawyer in Toronto, I assist executors and beneficiaries with probate applications, ensuring that the legal requirements are met and the estate is administered efficiently. Whether you are dealing with a family home, investment properties, or other real estate assets, I provide the guidance needed to handle this crucial step with care.

A Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (with or without a will) is often required to access or transfer assets, including real estate, from an estate. I help you prepare and submit the necessary documentation to the court, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Ontario's probate laws. My goal is to streamline the process and minimize delays, so you can focus on managing the estate rather than navigating legal hurdles.

For estates that include multiple properties or complex holdings, I offer specialized advice on strategies like using secondary wills to reduce probate fees and simplify the administration process. This can be particularly valuable when managing assets such as rental properties or family cottages.

Whether you need full support with the probate application or guidance on specific aspects of the process, I am here to make the experience as straightforward as possible.


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Estate Transfers

Transferring real estate from an estate can be complex, but the right legal guidance can make the process smoother. As a wills and estate lawyer in Toronto, I help executors, beneficiaries, and families navigate estate transfers, ensuring compliance with Ontario law and a seamless transition of property.

Whether it’s a family home, investment property, or cottage, I handle all aspects of the transfer, including preparing documentation, updating title records, and resolving any title issues. For estates involving joint ownership, I also assist with survivorship applications, allowing property to transfer smoothly to the surviving owner.

When a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee is required, I ensure all paperwork is accurately completed to avoid delays. My goal is to simplify the estate transfer process, providing clarity and support during what can be a challenging time.


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Understanding legal fees for wills and estate matters shouldn’t be complicated. I believe in providing transparent and tailored pricing, which is why I customize my service packages to meet the specific needs of each client.

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Choosing the right real estate lawyer is about more than price.
Quality legal advice can safeguard your real estate interests and prevent costly issues from arising in the future.

When possible, I build out a flat fee structure, so you know what to expect upfront without the uncertainty of hourly billing. This allows you to budget more effectively for your legal needs, whether it’s drafting wills, handling probate applications, or managing estate transfers.

At times estate matters can be unpredictable, and sometimes additional work is required to address unexpected developments. In these cases, I ensure that any extra costs are communicated clearly, so there are no surprises along the way.

My goal is to provide you with reliable and straightforward legal support while keeping the process as stress-free as possible.

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About our Law Firm

I built my law firm to provide exceptional legal services for all your real estate needs across Ontario. With a client-first approach, we ensure your experience is smooth, efficient, and fully tailored to your unique situation. Here’s what sets us apart:

Specialized Expertise
Our deep knowledge and passion for residential real estate law mean we can handle even the most complex transactions and legal issues with confidence and precision. From closings and mortgages to development and disputes, we focus on safeguarding your interests every step of the way.

Comprehensive Services
As a full-service real estate law firm, we are your one-stop shop for all property-related legal needs. We pride ourselves on efficient file management and clear communication, delivering a seamless experience that saves you time and money.

Zachary Soccio-Marandola, Real Estate Lawyer

Contact Us

Ready to move forward with your wills and estates matter? Contact us today for personalized support and expert guidance. We’re here to make the process as seamless as possible.

Zachary Soccio-Marandola
Real Estate Lawyer

Direct: (647) 797-6881
Email: zachary@socciomarandola.com

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FAQs

What happens to my real estate if I don’t have a will?

If you don't have a will, your real estate will be distributed according to provincial intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes.

How can a trust benefit my heirs regarding real estate?

A trust can help manage and protect real estate assets, potentially provide tax advantages, and ensure that your heirs receive the property according to your specific instructions.

What is the probate process, and why is it necessary?

Probate is the legal process that validates a will and authorizes the executor to distribute the estate's assets, including real estate, ensuring that all legal and financial obligations are met.