Karen is an associate lawyer in the Wills, Trusts and Estates Group at Lawrences. Her practice is focused on providing estate planning and estate administration services.
Prior to joining Lawrences, Karen worked at a boutique estate firm in Oakville where she provided estate planning services and also gained experience dealing with estate disputes. Having seen how disputes arise from poor planning and drafting, Karen understands the importance of providing her clients with a thorough and complete set of planning options and planning considerations. She takes the necessary care and attention to detail and drafts planning documents that meet her clients’ planning goals and objectives.
Karen assists estate trustees of deceased individuals and guides them through the estate administration process. She also assists Attorneys for Property and Personal Care to fulfill their duties and obligations.
Assisted numerous clients to complete Wills and Powers of Attorney with a wide range of complex issues and planning goals and objectives. Created spousal and testamentary trusts and dealt with a wide range of planning contingencies.
Drafted Dual Wills for purpose of minimizing estate administration (probate) taxes.
Created Henson Trusts and other plans for special needs beneficiaries for families who wish to preserve their family members’ entitlements to ODSP benefits.
Provided guidance on need to change ownership structures for estate planning purposes and worked with corporate and tax counsel on corporate reorganization plans.
Reviewed and prepared beneficiary designations on registered plans and insurance policies in Wills or in standalone designations.
Guided clients on disposition of special assets such as cottage properties.
Assisted executors to apply for a Certificate of Appointment (probate).
Assisted executors with their duty to account to beneficiaries and matters incidental thereto.