Business Details
46 Years
experience
Trusted Henson Trust & Estate Planning Lawyers in Ottawa
Pope Kenneth has been a trusted leader in special needs estate planning since 1980, specializing in Henson Trusts, guardianship, and asset protection for families with disabled members. Our Ottawa-based team provides personalized legal solutions through in-person consultations, telephone, and video conferencing across Canada. With over 40 years of experience working with ODSP cases, we combine deep expertise in tax credits, probate, and disability benefits preservation to ensure financial security for vulnerable individuals.Our client-centric approach includes free webinars, customized payment plans, and ongoing legislative updates to safeguard inheritances while maintaining provincial benefits. As members of the Law Society of Upper Canada and STEP, we uphold the highest professional standards in estate planning.
Services
Henson Trust Planning
Guardianship Applications
Estate Administration
Probate Services
Disability Tax Credits
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized experience in disability estate planning
- Expertise in preserving ODSP benefits through Henson Trusts
- Tailored solutions for complex guardianship applications
- Comprehensive approach combining legal, tax, and estate planning
- Nationwide accessibility through telephone/video conferencing
Associations and certifications
- Law Society of Upper Canada
- Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
What people say
Excellent work
Professional and easy to deal with
Stress-free process
Compassionate support
Successful ODSP applications
Services
Henson Trust Planning
Henson Trusts protect inheritances for disabled beneficiaries while maintaining ODSP eligibility. Our legal experts create customized trusts that comply with Ontario court requirements, ensuring financial security without compromising government benefits. We guide families through trust setup, asset management, and legislative updates to safeguard vulnerable beneficiaries' futures.
Guardianship Applications
We facilitate adult guardianship for families with disabled children transitioning to adulthood. Our process includes capacity assessments, court documentation, and management plans to establish legal authority over property and personal care decisions. We ensure compliance with Ontario's Substitute Decisions Act while protecting beneficiaries' rights and interests.
Estate Administration
Our estate administration handles complex probate processes for testate and intestate estates. We assist executors with asset valuation, debt settlement, tax compliance, and benefit preservation for disabled beneficiaries. The practice combines legal expertise with compassionate support during estate transitions, ensuring adherence to Ontario's intestacy laws and tax regulations.
Disability Tax Credits
We specialize in disability tax credit applications, appeals, and retroactive claims. Our services include T2201 form preparation, CRA dispute resolution, and strategic tax planning for families with disabled members. We maximize tax benefits while maintaining eligibility for government assistance programs through coordinated legal and financial strategies.
Power of Attorney
We draft customized power of attorney documents for property and personal care management. Our legally binding documents ensure decision-making continuity for disabled individuals and their families, with options for enduring and limited powers. We provide guidance on implementation and legal requirements across Canadian jurisdictions.
People
Kenneth C. Pope
Principal Lawyer
LLB TEP-certified lawyer with 40+ years of experience in special needs estate planning. Founder of Pope Kenneth, specializing in Henson Trusts, guardianship, and disability benefits preservation across Canada.
Monika Kimmel
Estate Planning Lawyer
Bilingual JD graduate from New Brunswick, called to Ontario bar in 2021. Focuses on estate planning strategies and guardianship applications for families with special needs members.
Jennifer Clarke
Legal Assistant
Law clerk with history degree from Laurentian University. Specializes in Henson Trust wills and powers of attorney, combining archival expertise with legal documentation experience.
Kevin Qin
Paralegal
Masters in Linguistics from SUNY Buffalo. Provides client support and document preparation, leveraging cross-cultural experience in foreign affairs to assist diverse families.
Generose Tomboc
Law Clerk
Political Science graduate from Philippines with honors in Law Clerk Diploma. Manages administrative processes and supports legal documentation for estate planning cases.
Questions
Can a Henson Trust protect inheritance while maintaining ODSP benefits?
Yes, properly structured Henson Trusts preserve ODSP eligibility by separating asset ownership from beneficiaries while ensuring financial security for disabled individuals.
What happens to disability benefits after inheriting property?
Without proper planning, inheritances can disqualify recipients from ODSP. We implement court-approved trusts to protect both assets and government benefits.
How does guardianship differ from power of attorney?
Guardianship applies to mentally incapable individuals, while powers of attorney are granted by capable persons. We help families determine appropriate legal instruments for their situations.
Can I create my own Henson Trust?
No, self-created trusts don't qualify. Our legal experts draft compliant trusts that meet Ontario court requirements for asset protection and benefit preservation.
What estate planning documents are essential for special needs families?
Critical documents include Henson Trust wills, powers of attorney, guardianship applications, and tax credit strategies tailored to individual family circumstances.
