Wills & Estates

Family enjoying a warm autumn conversation with sun rays filtering through fall trees in Belleville, Ontario

Your Parents Are Getting Older, Here Are the 3 Legal Conversations You Should Be Having Now

As parents get older, many adult children find themselves wondering when to start talking about legal planning. Waiting too long can make important decisions more difficult. At Jeffrey Murray Law, we regularly help families in Belleville and across Ontario with these situations. Starting the right conversations early can protect your parents and reduce stress for…
Hands of elderly mother and adult daughter reviewing and signing downsizing and long-term care planning documents in Ontario

Planning for Downsizing or Long-Term Care in Ontario

When you’re thinking about retirement, downsizing, or long-term care, it’s natural to focus on the personal side, where you’ll live, how life will change, and what feels right for your family. But there’s also a legal side that’s important to get right. If you’re selling your home, passing property to your children, or planning for…
Adult son helping mother review and sign legal documents for selling the family home in Ontario

Helping Mom Sell the Family Home: Legal Tips for Adult Children

Helping a parent sell their home can bring up a mix of emotions. There’s often family history tied to the house, and the process can feel overwhelming. Many adult children aren’t sure where to start or what legal steps to take to keep everything on track. If you’re helping your mom, dad, or another aging…
Young adult signing legal documents including a will and power of attorney in Ontario

Top Legal Documents Every Adult Should Have by Age 30 (or Sooner)

Many people believe Wills and Powers of Attorney only apply later in life. In truth, these documents become important as soon as you begin managing responsibilities like work, property, or family. By age 30, every adult in Ontario should have basic legal documents in place. Starting early helps you protect yourself and the people you…
Senior couple consulting with estate planning professional about cross-border wills for Canadian snowbirds

Essential Estate Planning Guide for Canadian Snowbirds: Why You Need Both Canadian and U.S. Wills

For Canadian snowbirds who spend winters in the sunny south, estate planning requires special consideration across two countries. Understanding why you might need both Canadian and U.S. wills can save your loved ones significant time, stress, and money after your passing. The Unique Challenge of Cross-Border Estate Planning Canadian snowbirds who own property in places…
Senior man signing power of attorney document, essential legal planning for Canadian snowbirds

Power of Attorney Essentials for Canadian Snowbirds: Protecting Your Interests in Both Countries

For Canadian snowbirds, having proper powers of attorney (POA) documents for both countries isn’t just a good idea – it’s essential for protecting your interests while living the snowbird lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about managing your affairs across borders. Understanding Power of Attorney Requirements Different jurisdictions have varying requirements for POA documents.…