Legal Planning Guide.pdf

The Legal Planning Guide for Newfoundland and Labrador provides information on creating a will, enduring power of attorney, and advance health care directive. A will is a legal document that controls what happens to a person's estate after death, and it must be written and properly executed. The testator must be at least 17 years old and have legal capacity. If a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act.

The guide outlines the requirements for creating a valid will, including witnesses and signatures. It also discusses choosing an executor, who is responsible for controlling and protecting the estate's assets, paying debts, and distributing property. The executor should be someone willing and able to take on the role, and it may be helpful to choose someone with a suitable background, such as education and profession.

The guide emphasizes the importance of consulting with a lawyer to create a will, enduring power of attorney, or advance health care directive, as these documents can be complex and require legal expertise. It also provides contact information for the Public Legal Information Association of NL, which can provide referrals to lawyers practicing in the areas of wills and estates or legal planning.