Hagel Lawfirm

Did you know November is designated as Make a Will Month? This initiative, led by the Ontario Bar Association, aims to raise awareness about the importance of having a Will & POA and having it done by an experienced estate lawyer. Join us on November 19th at 7 PM EST for a special virtual session featuring Dorothy Hagel, Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public. In this On-Hour session, you will learn:  Why having a Will & Power of Attorney (POA) is essential  Key elements to include in your Will & POA  Steps to take if you have a Business  Importance of having a Trust  How to get started with the right legal guidance  Date: November 19  Time: 7:00 PM  Location: Virtual (Register on Eventbrite, Link in comments) #MakeAWIllMonth #EstatePlanning #OntarioBarAssociation #LegalAwareness #EstateLaw #WillsAndPOAs #November 

When it comes to showing love and care for your family, nothing speaks louder than planning ahead. As we observe Make a Will Month this November, it’s a perfect time to consider giving one of the most meaningful gift to your family: the gift of peace of mind through thoughtful Estate Planning. A comprehensive Estate Plan is more than just a set of legal documents; it's a powerful way to protect your family, and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It brings clarity, eases the burden on your loved ones, and provides the peace of mind that everything is securely in place. At Hagel Lawfirm, we specialize in estate planning strategies to help you secure the future of your family and the wealth you’ve worked hard to build. Schedule a meeting with Dorothy Hagel and her team to have all your estate related questions answered. #OBAIMM #estate #Will #lawyer #EstateLaw #legacy #law #wealth #WealthManagement #wealthplan #EstatePlanning101 #legalawarenes #hagellawfirm #canada #portcredit #mississauga #brampton #GTA #ontario #novemberismakeawillmonth

Life is full of surprises. While we can't predict the future, we can prepare for it. One of the most important ways to prepare for the unexpected is by having a comprehensive Estate Plan in place, including a Will and Power of Attorney. Estate planning is about more than just distributing assets, it's about ensuring your wishes are respected if you're unable to make decisions. Following are some of the essential Steps to Consider: Set up a Power of Attorney Designate someone you trust to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated due to an accident. This ensures that your personal and business matters are managed according to your wishes. Review Beneficiary Designations Make sure your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial assets are up to date. Outdated designations could mean your assets go to someone you didn’t intend. Make a Will Beforehand Will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It specifies how your assets will be distributed after your death and allows you to appoint guardians for minor/disabled children. Without a will, your estate may be settled in court, potentially leading to outcomes that don’t align with your wishes. At Hagel Lawfirm, we specialize in estate planning strategies to help you secure the future of your family and the wealth you’ve worked hard to build. Schedule a meeting with Dorothy Hagel and her team to have all your business & estate related questions answered. Please Note: This Post is for information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. #Estate #Will #lawyer #EstateLaw #businesssuccess #Trust #wealth #EstatePlanning #Wills #Probate #OntarioLaw #WealthManagement #business #mississauga #torontorealestate #brampton #toronto #oakville

When it comes to protecting your assets and loved ones, having a Will is essential. Estate planning ensures your legacy is honored and provides peace of mind for your family. Here’s why every Ontarian should consider a Will: Control Over Assets: Without a Will, Ontario’s laws decide who inherits your property, which may not align with your wishes. Will lets you decide how to distribute your assets. Protection for Minor Children: Naming a legal guardian for your children in your Will gives them stability. Without it, the court steps in, which may not reflect your wishes. Reducing Probate Costs & Delays: A well-prepared Will can streamline probate, reducing time and expenses. For business owners, having multiple Wills can even lower probate and tax bills significantly. Minimizing Family Conflicts: Clear instructions help avoid family disputes, preventing unnecessary tension and prolonged legal battles during a difficult time. Planning for Incapacity: Estate planning includes appointing a Power of Attorney (POA), so a trusted person can manage your affairs if you’re unable to. Protection for Common-Law Partners: Ontario law doesn’t grant inheritance rights to common-law partners, but including them in your Will ensures they’re protected. Flexibility to Update as Life Changes: Life evolves, so should your Will. Major milestones like marriage, children, or a new business can be reflected in your estate plan. A Will does more than distribute assets; it protects your family, honors your wishes, and secures your legacy. At Hagel Law Firm, we are here to make the estate planning process straightforward and personalized. Secure your future and your family’s well being. Schedule a meeting with Hagel Lawfirm and have all your business and estate related questions answered. Please Note: This Post is for information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. #Estate #Will #lawyer #EstateLaw #businesssuccess #Trust #wealth #EstatePlanning #Wills #Probate #OntarioLaw #WealthManagement #business #mississauga #torontorealestate #brampton #toronto

As a business owner, you’ve built something that goes beyond just personal assets, your business is your legacy. But have you considered how that legacy will be protected if you’re no longer around to manage it? According to a recent survey, less than 10% of Canadian business owners have a formal written succession plan. There is no denying the fact that estate planning is critical to ensuring your business continues to thrive, and it starts with taking the right steps: Structuring your Will efficiently Having two wills can be a smart move. One for assets that go through probate and another for those that don’t, such as private corporation shares and proceeds from life insurance. Minimizing your Final Tax Bill A well-structured estate plan can help reduce taxes such as income tax, capital gains tax, and probate fees, ensuring your beneficiaries receive the maximum value of your estate. Getting started with your Estate Planning At Hagel Lawfirm, we specialize in estate planning strategies to help you secure the future of your family and the wealth you’ve worked hard to build. Schedule a meeting with Dorothy Hagel and her team to have all your business & estate related questions answered. Please Note: This Post is for information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. #Estate #Will #lawyer #EstateLaw #businesssuccess #Trust #wealth #EstatePlanning #Wills #Probate #OntarioLaw #WealthManagement #business #mississauga #torontorealestate #brampton #toronto Mississauga Board of Trade

For individuals with complex estates, having more than one Will can be a highly effective strategy. When done properly, it can save your estate and beneficiaries significant time, money, and stress. Many assets, like real estate and investment accounts, are required to go through probate, while others can bypass this process. In Ontario, probate fees is 1.5% on assets over $50,000, which quickly adds up for high-net-worth clients. By allocating all assets that require probate in your jurisdiction (such as real estate and bank accounts) to a primary Will, and using a secondary Will to deal with non-probate assets like art, antiques, jewelry, and shares of private corporations, you can minimize probate fees and streamline the estate process. This strategy can save you thousands of dollars in probate fees, making it a smart move for protecting your estate’s wealth. At Hagel Lawfirm, we specialize in estate planning strategies to help you secure the future of your family and the wealth you’ve worked hard to build. Schedule a meeting with Dorothy Hagel and her team to have all your estate-related questions answered. Please Note: This Post is for information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. #estate #Will #lawyer #EstateLaw #Minor #Trust #wealth #EstatePlanning #Wills #Probate #OntarioLaw #WealthManagement

In Ontario, minors (those under 18) are not legally permitted to directly receive or manage their inheritance, whether from an estate, a life insurance policy, or other financial assets. If there’s no clear plan in place, such as a trust, guardians are faced with complex legal procedures to ensure the minor’s inheritance is protected. When an estate lacks a Will and a minor is the beneficiary, Ontario law requires that funds over $35,000 be paid into court and held by the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) until the child reaches the age of majority. While this process exists to safeguard the minor's inheritance, it can result in delays, and additional costs. Guardians cannot access these funds without going through lengthy and costly court applications. Once the minor reaches the age of majority, the inheritance is paid out in full, with no restrictions on how they use the money. But here’s the thing: 18 can be a young age to receive a large sum of money. By setting up a Minor Trust as part of your estate plan, you can ensure that your children’s inheritance is managed responsibly, according to your wishes. This trust allows you to: Control the Age of Distribution: You can choose when and how your child receives their inheritance, whether it’s at 21, 25, 30, or in stages over several years. Appoint a Trustee: A trusted individual or professional can manage the funds, ensuring they are used for education, healthcare, and other important expenses while your child is still young. Minimize Legal Complexities: Without a trust, the court may have to appoint a guardian to manage the funds, and your child will receive everything at 18, regardless of their financial maturity. A Minor Trust ensures your children’s inheritance is used wisely and according to your values. If you want to discuss setting up a Minor Trust or creating a comprehensive estate plan, feel free to schedule a meeting with Hagel Lawfirm. Please Note: This Post is for information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. #estate #Will #lawyer #EstateLaw #Minor #Trust #wealth #WealthManagement

Why Choose Hagel Lawfirm? When it comes to managing your assets, safeguarding your legacy, and resolving any legal disputes that arise, having a trusted law firm by your side makes all the difference. Here’s why you should trust us with your estate related matters: 1. Expertise in Estate Law Hagel Law Firm brings years of dedicated experience in estate planning and litigation in Ontario. Our team has a deep understanding of the nuances of estate law, ensuring that your documents are not only legally sound but also aligned with your specific wishes and family’s needs. 2. Tailored Estate Planning Solutions No two families are alike, and your estate plan shouldn’t be either. We take the time to understand your unique situation. Our personalized approach ensures that your estate plan reflects your goals, providing both peace of mind and protection for the future. 3. Litigation Expertise for Complex Disputes Estate disputes can be stressful and emotionally draining. At Hagel Law Firm, we bring a strong track record in estate litigation, including will disputes, power of attorney challenges, and executor disagreements. Our team is committed to resolving these matters efficiently while safeguarding your interests, whether through mediation or representation in court. 4. Comprehensive Services Under One Roof Our firm provides a full range of estate services, including: Wills & Trusts, Power of Attorney, Estate Administration, as well as Estate Litigation. 5. Client-Centered Approach At Hagel Law Firm, we prioritize your needs and ensure that you are informed at every stage of the process. We are committed to providing clear communication, timely service, and compassionate support, whether you’re planning your estate or facing complex litigation. Schedule a consultation with Hagel Lawfirm and have all your questions answered by Dorothy Hagel and her Team. Call: 905-990-3440 Email: info@dhestatelaw.com #EstatePlanning #Wills #Trusts #HagelLawFirm #OntarioLaw #PlanYourFuture #wealth #wealthmanagement #Estate #Litigation

Many believe they don’t have personal belongings of significant value. While they often refer to monetary value, they may overlook the deep sentimental value some items can hold. Estate disputes are not always about money or property; they can just as easily start over a personal item that one beneficiary wanted, but another received. Sometimes, conflicts arise because executors disposed of personal items without informing the beneficiaries. Whatever the cause, personal belongings can quickly become a source of contention among family members. To avoid these disputes, it’s important to consider how you handle these items in your estate plan. Contact Hagel Lawfirm to schedule your consultation and have all your questions answered by Dorothy Hagel and her team. Please Note: This Post is for information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. #estate #Will #lawyer #EstateLaw #legacy #law #wealth #WealthManagement #wealthplan #EstatePlanning101 #legalawarenes #hagellawfirm #canada #portcredit #mississauga #brampton #GTA #ontario #HensonTrust