Achieve Peace of Mind
It is never too early or too late to plan for the future and for your loved ones. We advise and assist clients in the preparation of wills and testamentary trusts; inter vivos trusts such as alter ego/joint partner trusts; discretionary family trusts; Henson trusts; business succession plans; corporate reorganizations and estate freezes; powers of attorney; guardianship and dependant support applications; and probate/estate applications. The cost of a properly-executed estate plan is modest relative to the expense of unnecessary taxes, higher administration costs and litigation which may arise due to deficient or invalid testamentary instruments.
The absence of a valid, properly-prepared will or trust can result in your assets being distributed according to a legislative formula that may not reflect your wishes. Moreover, it may lead to loved ones experiencing stress and unnecessary delay, lengthy or fractious disputes, and the imposition of heavy tax burdens and administration costs. The welfare of any minor children could also be severely affected if provisions are not made for guardianship in the event of your death or disability.
We can also assist in reviewing and updating business succession plans, wills and other instruments to ensure that they continue to reflect your wishes while maximizing tax efficiency. This is especially important upon a change in circumstance such as a marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death in the family, reorganization of corporate interests, or recent acquisition of property.
Powers of attorney and advance directives are equally important in order to plan for circumstances where you may be unable to take care of your property or to attend to your personal care, even temporarily. By preparing these documents you can ensure that your personal choices regarding your property, medical intervention, or long-term care will be honoured and respected.
Advice & Advocacy
DORAN LAW is committed to providing compassionate legal advice and advocacy for individuals and families. As well as trusts and estates law, we advise and represent clients with respect to elder law issues, particularly those touching on financial exploitation, elder abuse, anti-discrimination laws and equitable practices. We strive to facilitate a better understanding of the obligations of fiduciaries, service providers and employers, and the protections to which individuals are entitled.
No question (or estate) is too big or too small...
We are here to help and are happy to answer any questions you may have pertaining to trusts, wills and estates matters, or concerns relating to elder law or discrimination. We offer a tailored approach that takes into account the personal, legal and financial circumstances of each client. We are pleased to provide dedicated and high-quality service to ensure legal representation of the highest calibre.
MARY DORAN
PRINCIPAL LAWYER OF DORAN LAW
LL.M., LL.B., LL.L.,
Doran
Mary K.
TEP, M.A., Dip.Comm.
Mary's practice focuses primarily on trusts and estates law, business succession planning and incapacity planning. Mary also advises clients on cross-border estate planning and complex trust, tax and estate administration matters.
Mary has specialized in trusts and estate law for ten years and has achieved the specialist TEP designation awarded by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global professional body whose members are internationally recognized as leading experts in the trusts and estates field.
Mary is trained in both the common law and civil law systems, having earned her common law degree (LL.B.) from Trinity College Dublin (University of Dublin) and her civil law degree (LL.L.) from the University of Ottawa. Mary also completed a Masters of Law (LL.M.) in international law and human rights.
Mary also holds a Certificate in Elder Law from Osgoode Hall Law School and is a member of both the Trusts & Estates Law and Elder Law sections of the Ontario Bar Association. She has been a presenter for numerous educational sessions on estates law and planning on behalf of the Association. Mary is also a member of the Association des juristes d'expression française de l'Ontario.
Mary is drawn to trusts and estates law as she enjoys working with people on a personal level. She is able to combine her legal expertise with a sensitivity to the emotional complexities that can often accompany estate law issues. She is adept at devising practical strategies to meet clients' individual priorities and circumstances.
Prior to building her own practice, Mary practised trusts and estates law with one of Ontario's top ten regional firms. Mary also acquired solid litigation experience through working with the Ministry of the Attorney General in Toronto as well as a global consulting and financial advisory firm.
Contact us
Email us at info@doranlaw.ca
*All consultations are by appointment only
We look forward to assisting you!