Estate Planning Lawyer

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Estate Planning Lawyer

Create a thoughtful estate plan with personalized guidance from an experienced lawyer who understands your family’s unique needs.
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Estate Planning That Protects Your Family’s Future

Estate planning builds a framework of legal tools to protect your family and assets. Each family needs different elements – from basic wills to specialized trusts, powers of attorney, and personal directives. These documents work together to secure your legacy and protect those you care about.
Every estate plan starts with essential legal documents: a will to distribute assets, trusts to protect wealth, and powers of attorney to handle important decisions. Family businesses get solid succession plans. Blended families receive balanced solutions for all members. Parents can name guardians and set up long-term protection for their children.
Let’s create an estate plan that fits your family situation.
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Our Legal Services

Wills & Trusts

Create a legally sound plan for distributing your assets and protecting your loved ones’ future.

Power of Attorney

Designate a trusted person to handle your financial and legal matters if you become unable to do so yourself.
Common myths about personal injury claims addressed through legal consultation setup: claim form, judge's gavel, and stethoscope on mahogany desk illustrate professional guidance.

Personal Directives

Make your healthcare wishes known and appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if needed.
Insurance dispute lawyer, Nova Scotia

Probate and Estate Administration

Get expert guidance through the complex process of settling a loved one’s estate.

Estate Litigation

Protect your interests when estate disputes arise.

Pre-nuptial agreements

Navigate the complexities of blending families while ensuring fair treatment for everyone involved.

Advice on second family situations

Make your healthcare wishes known and appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if needed.

Cohabitation agreement

Define property rights and financial responsibilities before moving in together, preventing future disagreements and protecting both partners.

Client Succes Story

I am from Calgary, Alberta and was in need of a Lawyer to help with the Estate of my Uncle who lived in Dartmouth. Laurie was recommended and although we have never met in person, I am so grateful that she is the one who helped me through the process. With the many miles between us, she was very professional and her guidance was something I needed during the difficult time. I would recommend Laurie LaViolette to anyone who is in need of a good Lawyer. Thank You, Laurie!

Patricia

Our CPA firm absolutely love sending clients to LaViolette Law because they end up with top-notch service! In the past, we’ve sent clients with injuries, estate planning needs, wills – everyone has been grateful for the referral. Laurie is a seasoned layer. She’s caring, approachable and one damn fine lawyer! 🙂

John Swain

Laurie LaViolette has represented my company and me and my wife personally for several real estate transactions and contract matters, and she has always gone above and beyond our expectations. Ms. LaViolette explains every aspect of the transactions clearly and makes sure we know all of our options. I would recommend her to anyone wanting a lawyer who takes the time with her clients.

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Who We Work With

Young Families

New parents, recently married couples, and young families taking their first steps in estate planning.

Established Families

Families with growing children and accumulated wealth, typically in their 50s and 60s, who need to review and update their estate plans as circumstances change and assets grow.

Pre-Retirees & Retirees

Individuals preparing for retirement or already retired who want to ensure their estate plans align with their current situation and protect their lifetime of accumulated assets.

Surviving Spouses

Seniors who have lost their spouse and need to revise their estate plans to reflect their new circumstances and ensure their wishes are properly documented.

Estate Executors

Individuals named as executors who need guidance through the probate process and help fulfilling their responsibilities in administering a loved one’s estate.

FAQs

Do I Need a Will?
Not having a will means letting provincial laws decide what happens to everything you own – your home, savings, family heirlooms, and even who raises your children. If you own property, have children, are married, or want specific people to receive certain belongings, you need a will. An estate planning lawyer can help create a legally sound will that protects your family’s interests and ensures your wishes are followed. Without one, your loved ones face additional stress, higher costs, and longer delays in receiving their inheritance.
Do I Need to Open Probate if My Spouse Dies?

It depends on how your assets are held. Joint assets like shared bank accounts and property usually pass directly to the surviving spouse without probate. However, assets in your spouse’s name alone, including certain investments, vehicles, or property, typically require probate. An estate planning lawyer can review your situation and help determine if probate is necessary. Some estates can be settled without full probate, saving time and money for grieving families.

What is a Will, and When Do I Need It?

A will is a legal document that states how property and assets will be distributed after death. It names an executor to manage the estate, guardians for minor children, and specific instructions for distributing possessions and money. If someone dies without a will, provincial laws automatically decide who gets what – often leading to unintended outcomes.

Other Services We Offer

Injury and Insurance

Laurie C. LaViolette represents clients who have injury and accident claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, work related injuries, disability claims and more...
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Estate Planning

Estate planning allows you to provide for your family or heirs by creating a Will, making funeral arrangements in advance, appointing someone to act as your financial voice through a power of attorney...
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Estate Administration / Probate

Our team of lawyers can guide you through every step of the Probate process whether or not there is a valid Will and we make sure that all time limits are met and documents...
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Family Law

Laurie C. LaViolette has the experience and knowledge to assist you with family law matters. While the goal is to help you avoid litigation whenever possible by negotiating agreements, she is an experienced litigator as well....
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Civil Litigation

Litigation is the process of taking legal action through a proceeding or law suit. In addition to Injury and Insurance litigation, LaViolette Law represents both plaintiffs and defendants in other matters...
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Other Legal Advice

For clients who simply request legal advice on a particular issue, we conduct legal research, prepare memoranda and provide our professional opinion. We will meet with you to discuss our findings and prepare a written report as to our opinion.
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