At SKD Law, I provide Wills and other essential estate planning documents - such as Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives - to individuals across the territory, both virtually and in person. Indigenous governments can also request my services to come in to communities to conduct clinics and a presentation. 

A Will, or testament, is a legal document that outlines your wishes for how your property should be distributed and who should care for any minor children after your passing. It lets you name executors to manage your estate and appoint guardians for your children. A properly drafted Will ensures your intentions are clear and legally binding once you have died.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust (called an attorney) to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable or unwilling to do so yourself while still alive. This can include handling banking, signing documents, or managing property transactions.

A Personal Directive lets you designate an agent to make personal and health care decisions on your behalf if you are ever unable to do so due to illness, injury, or other circumstances.

Having these documents carefully drafted, kept up to date, and reviewed by a lawyer is crucial because the consequences of not having them can be significant.

If you do not have a Will, territorial laws will govern how your estate is handled. Dying intestate - without a Will - means your assets will be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act, which follows a strict order starting with your spouse, then your children, and so forth.

This can create challenges for common-law spouses, blended families, or anyone who wants to make specific provisions outside of the default rules. More importantly, it means your estate may not be divided in the way you would have chosen, potentially causing stress and conflict for your loved ones.

In addition to complicating family matters, dying without a Will often leads to delays and increased costs in managing and distributing your estate. Essentially, not having a Will means giving up control over your property and allowing the courts and government to decide how your estate is divided.

I’m here to help you create a clear, legally sound estate plan that reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones.