Navigate life’s major decisions with our comprehensive family law checklist – Ontario’s legal experts help you plan ahead for what matters most.
Life’s journey brings different legal considerations at every stage. As experienced Ontario family lawyers, we’ve created this comprehensive checklist to help you navigate important legal decisions throughout your life. Think of it as your legal planning GPS – helping you anticipate and prepare for key milestones ahead.
Introduction: Why This Family Law Checklist Matters
Before diving into specific life stages, understand that proactive legal planning offers three key benefits:
• Protection of your assets and interests
• Peace of mind for you and your family
• Prevention of potential future disputes
Remember: It’s always better to plan ahead than to react to circumstances after they arise.
Early Adulthood (30-35) Checklist
Career & Asset Protection
□ Employment contract review
□ Professional insurance evaluation
□ Initial investment protection strategy
□ Debt management plan
Relationship Planning
□ Cohabitation agreement consideration
□ Prenuptial agreement evaluation
□ Property ownership structure
□ Joint account arrangements
Initial Estate Planning
□ Basic will creation
□ Power of attorney designation
□ Insurance beneficiary designation
□ TFSA/RRSP beneficiary setup
Business Considerations
□ Business structure evaluation
□ Partnership agreements review
□ Intellectual property protection
□ Business succession initial planning
Family Formation (35-45) Checklist
Parenting Foundations
□ Parental rights documentation
□ Guardianship designation
□ Emergency medical authorizations
□ School authority designations
Financial Planning
□ RESP establishment
□ Ontario Child Benefit registration
□ Family life insurance review
□ Joint asset registration review
Property Considerations
□ Family home ownership structure
□ Matrimonial home designation
□ Renovation contract reviews
□ Cottage/secondary property planning
Family Business Protection
□ Family trust evaluation
□ Children’s inheritance structure
□ Business succession update
□ Family employment policies
Mid-Life Planning (45-55) Checklist
Asset Protection
□ Investment portfolio legal review
□ Property title reassessment
□ Debt consolidation evaluation
□ Tax planning strategy update
Family Support Planning
□ Post-secondary education funding
□ Adult child support considerations
□ Aging parent care planning
□ Support obligation review
Healthcare Preparation
□ Living will creation
□ Healthcare power of attorney
□ Medical directive documentation
□ Long-term care insurance review
Career Transition Planning
□ Pension beneficiary review
□ Stock option legal review
□ Professional practice transition
□ Early retirement planning
Mature Planning (55+) Checklist
Estate Planning
□ Will and trust updates
□ Power of attorney review
□ Beneficiary designation update
□ Estate tax planning strategy
Asset Distribution
□ Property transfer planning
□ Gift giving strategy
□ Charitable donation structure
□ Family heirloom designation
Healthcare Security
□ Long-term care planning
□ Healthcare directive update
□ Caregiver agreements
□ Medical expense planning
Grandchildren’s Future
□ Education trust establishment
□ Gift tax planning
□ Inheritance protection
□ Minor trust considerations
Special Circumstances Checklist
Blended Families
□ Existing obligation review
□ Asset integration planning
□ Children’s rights protection
□ Family communication strategy
Business Owners
□ Succession planning update
□ Family employment policies
□ Share transfer strategy
□ Buy-sell agreement review
International Considerations
□ Cross-border asset protection
□ International property planning
□ Immigration status review
□ Foreign inheritance planning
Second Marriage Planning
□ Previous obligation review
□ Asset protection strategy
□ Children’s inheritance protection
□ Support agreement update
Regular Review Recommendations
Annual Review
□ Insurance beneficiary check
□ Property ownership verification
□ Support payment review
□ Investment structure check
Three-Year Review
□ Will and trust updates
□ Power of attorney review
□ Business succession update
□ Tax strategy evaluation
Five-Year Review
□ Complete estate plan review
□ Long-term care planning update
□ Asset distribution strategy
□ Family meeting and discussion
Taking Action
Every family’s situation is unique, and this checklist serves as a starting point for your legal planning journey. Our Family Law practice can help you:
• Identify which items require immediate attention
• Create a customized timeline for your planning needs
• Implement strategies that protect your family’s interests
• Regular review and updates of your legal planning
Ready to dive in? Contact us to begin creating your personalized legal planning strategy. Our Family Law Team will help you navigate these important decisions with confidence and clarity.
