OUR APPROACH
Trusted counsel through life's most complex legal transitions.
Dyer Brown lawyers have extensive experience in comprehensive estate administration including the drafting of wills, trusts, family businesses, and corporate reorganizations. We assist executors and trustees with probate responsibilities and manage litigation arising from estate administration.
WHAT WE DO
Areas of Practice
Will Drafting & Planning
Comprehensive will preparation, trust arrangements, and estate planning to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are carried out.
Estate Administration
Guiding executors and trustees through their fiduciary duties, from locating assets and paying debts to distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
Probate & Executor Duties
Assisting with the Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee process and advising executors on their legal obligations throughout administration.
Will Challenges & Disputes
Representing parties in challenges based on lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution of wills and estate documents.
Dependent Support Claims
Advising dependants on their rights to support from an estate and pursuing claims where adequate provision has not been made.
YOUR ESTATE LAW COUNSEL
Barry Fick
ESTATE LITIGATION & ADMINISTRATION
Barry Fick brings extensive experience to estate litigation and administration matters at Dyer Brown. He advises executors, trustees, and beneficiaries through complex probate and estate disputes, delivering clear guidance and decisive action at every stage of the administration process.
YOUR ESTATE LAW COUNSEL
Rob Vitols
ESTATE LITIGATION & ADMINISTRATION
Rob Vitols handles a broad range of estate litigation and administration matters, representing clients in will challenges, executor disputes, and dependent support claims. Known for his thorough approach, Rob guides clients through difficult personal circumstances with care and precision.
OUR LEGACY
For over 125 years, Dyer Brown has represented clients throughout Southwestern Ontario.
CLIENT GUIDANCE
Common Questions
What is the probate process in Ontario?
Probate — now called a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee — is the court process that validates a will and authorizes the executor to administer the estate. Our team assists executors through every stage of the probate process efficiently and accurately.
Can a will be challenged after someone passes away?
Yes. A will can be challenged on grounds including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. Our team has extensive experience representing both challengers and those defending the validity of a will.
What are an executor's responsibilities in Ontario?
Executors must locate and value assets, pay debts and taxes, apply for probate, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. Executors can be held personally liable for errors, which is why having experienced legal guidance throughout the process is strongly recommended.
OUR COMMITMENT
We are here to help.
Speak with one of our estate lawyers today. Call 519.673.1100 or send us a message.