It is important to have a valid and up to date Will. Generally speaking, having a Will allows you to appoint a trusted person (an executor) to distribute your estate to whichever loved ones or other beneficiaries you should choose. It also allows you to appoint a guardian for your minor children or dependents. Without a valid Will, your loved one(s) will have to apply to the courts for a Grant of Administration and distribute your estate in accordance with the rules of intestacy as laid out in the Alberta Wills and Succession Act.
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An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to appoint a trusted individual to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to do so. This document must be drafted before you lose capacity, and it will come only into effect when you lose the ability to make decisions on your own due to injury or illness. Your incapacity will generally have to be confirmed in writing by two medical practitioners. Without an Enduring Power of Attorney, your loved one(s) will be required to apply to the courts for an Order of Trusteeship should you become incapacitated.
A Personal Directive, sometimes referred to as a “Living Will”, allows you to appoint someone to make decisions about your personal care, medical care, residence and social needs if you become unable to make these decisions for yourself. Without a Personal Directive, a loved one would be required to apply to the courts to be appointed to act as your guardian.
Probate (or applying for a Grant of Probate from the court) is the process by which the court authenticates a deceased person’s will and grants legal authority to the executor of the estate to manage the estate, pay the estate’s debts, and distribute the estate in accordance with the deceased’s will. Many institutions require a Grant of Probate before they can release accounts, funds, or other property to the executor of the estate. Applying for a Grant of Probate involves completing mandatory forms, serving formal notice to named beneficiaries in the will, and submitting the original will for the court’s review and approval.
A Commissioner of Oaths is someone with the authority to administer oaths, affirmations and statutory declarations in Alberta. A Notary Public, in addition to these powers, can certify true copies of documents, and witness and verify documents with an official seal for international or interprovincial purposes.
About Me
Joelle Plumer graduated from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law in 2020. During her time there, she was awarded 6 scholarships, including:
2017 – Scott Venturo LLP Recognition of Excellence Entrance Scholarship
2018 – John M.S. Lecky Family Award in Law
2019 – Margaret and Robert Montgomery Law Scholarship
2019 – J. Patrick Stopa Access to Justice Scholarship
2019 – Class of 1983 Law Award
2020 – Soby Boyden Lenz Scholarship in Family Law
She also earned a place on the Dean’s List for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years. Joelle articled downtown and was called to the bar in 2021, before moving to a smaller firm for several years. In the spring of 2026, Joelle founded Plumer Law, a practice specializing in Wills and Estates law. Plumer Law is based out of Bragg Creek, Alberta, where Joelle resides with her husband and three kids. The firm provides estate planning, probate, and notary services to clients in Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, Diamond Valley, and surrounding communities.
Get in touch
1 (825) 824-1070
Getting Started
Plumer Law is based in Bragg Creek, Alberta, and proudly serves clients in Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, Diamond Valley, Millarville, Priddis, and surrounding communities.
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Please reach out to joelle@plumerlaw.ca to obtain an Estate Planning Questionnaire and schedule an initial consult.