Ask the Expert - Stephen Francispillai - Lawyer

Stephen began his love of real estate at a young age. He bought his first investment property at 18 and has been addicted ever since, buying and selling several houses in the last 20 years. Stephen has learned firsthand what his clients need in a real estate lawyer. Stephen graduated from the University of Ottawa’s Civil Law Program in 2003 and completed the National Program (Common Law) in 2004. He was called to the bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada (Province of Ontario) in early 2006. Stephen specializes in Real Estate Law including, commercial, residential and condominium, wills and estate and business incorporations. In his downtime Stephen is a dedicated father and husband and when he isn’t spending time with the family he can be found meticulously caring for his vintage BMWs.

The Importance of Wills & Powers of Attorney in Ontario 

Planning for the future is key and making sure you have a will and power of attorney in Ontario is a big part of that. You might think you don't have enough assets to need these documents, but it's not just about money. It's about making sure your personal wishes are respected, and your loved ones are cared for.

A will lets you spell out how you want your assets distributed, which can help prevent family disputes. It also allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your estate after you’re gone. A power of attorney gives someone the authority to make financial and healthcare decisions for you if you're incapacitated. This can save your family from lengthy and costly court interventions at a time when they may be trying to navigate a difficult situation or grieving the loss of a loved one.

Without these documents, your assets could end up being managed by the Public Guardian and Trustee during your lifetime which can make access to necessary funds difficult and it’s likely that, after you’re gone, your estate will be divided according to provincial laws, which might not reflect your intentions, leading to conflicts and financial headaches. Don't leave things to chance— consult a legal professional today to ensure your will and power of attorney are in place.