Legal Resources
We are unable to provide legal advice, however, here are a number of links that we hope you find helpful.
Information and support
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) - is a charitable organization providing Nova Scotians with information and resources about the law since 1982. A very useful resource is an online booklet called It's In Your Hands: Legal Information for Seniors and their Families. They have free apps to help you handle estate planning (see details below).
How To Get Legal Information and Advice - The organizations listed on this information sheet can give information on legal issues or can help find a lawyer.
Justice Access - This program is offered by The Association des Juristes d'expression francais de la Nouvelle-Ecosse. It helps people complete any type of form, be it court or government-related, and offers support over the phone in either English or French.
Family Law Nova Scotia - offers information relating to the law, processes, and services that make up family law in Nova Scotia.
The Federal, Provincial, & Territorial Ministers for Seniors Forum on the Government of Canada's website contains useful information on the benefits and risks of having a Power of Attorney, or a joint bank account. There is also a link to a downloadable booklet: What every older Canadian should know about: Powers of attorney (for financial matters and property) and joint bank accounts
Personal Directive
A Personal Directive Video by Capital Health - This 5 minute video gives an excellent explanation of what a Personal Directive is.
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) has a free app helping you create a personal directive.
Personal Directives in NS - Planning for the future is important. You should think about who you would want to make decisions for you if you are not capable (temporarily or permanently) to make them yourself. You should think about what kinds of decisions should be made for you and how they should be made. The two forms below will help you get started:
Instructions for creating a personal directive and sample form.
Instructions for creating a personal directive and sample form (naming a delegate only).
Power of attorney
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) has a free app helping you create a Power of Attorney.
Wills
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) has a free app helping you create a simple will.
Epilogue Wills - an online platform that helps you make a will and estate planning documents in less than 20 minutes.
Estate Planning
EstateExec - a software that can help prepare for estate succession, and help the executor through the process. Guidance customizes for the estate, estate accounting is integrated. There is a free guide and the companion software for $199 one-time fee if the executor decides to use it.