About Craig
Craig R. Vander Zee: Specialized Legal Counsel in Trusts & Estates and Litigation
Craig R. Vander Zee is a recognized leader in Trusts & Estates law, providing comprehensive legal solutions for individuals, businesses, and organizations navigating complex estate planning, trust administration, and litigation matters. As a Partner in the Trusts & Estates and Litigation Groups, and a Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada, Mr. Vander Zee offers unparalleled expertise and strategic guidance to clients facing intricate legal challenges. He is dedicated to protecting your assets, ensuring your wishes are honored, and advocating for your rights with a commitment to meticulous detail and aggressive representation.
With over two decades of experience, Craig’s practice encompasses all aspects of estate, trust, capacity, fiduciary, and power of attorney disputes and litigation. He possesses a deep understanding of the nuances surrounding estate administration, probate applications, passing of accounts, and the crucial roles of estate trustees, attorneys for property or care, and guardians. His proactive approach and extensive knowledge make him a trusted legal counsel in high-stakes situations.
Craig’s expertise includes:
- Estate Planning & Administration: Navigating the complexities of wills, trusts, probate applications, and estate administration processes.
- Trust Disputes: Representing beneficiaries, trustees, and other stakeholders in disputes concerning trust administration, breach of trust, and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Capacity & Fiduciary Litigation: Addressing legal challenges related to capacity, undue influence, and potential conflicts of interest involving estate professionals.
- Power of Attorney Matters: Providing legal support with respect to power of attorney documents, including validation, revocation, and disputes.
- Guardianship & Representation: Assisting individuals and families with guardianship matters, ensuring the appropriate legal protections for those in need.
Craig’s commitment to excellence extends beyond legal expertise. He is an Estate Mediator, offering a constructive and collaborative approach to resolving disputes outside of the courtroom. He’s previously held leadership positions, including Chair of the Trusts and Estates Section of the Ontario Bar Association (2010-2011) and serving as an Advisory Group member for the Law Commission of Ontario’s Project on the Law as it Affects Older Adults – demonstrating a consistent dedication to serving the legal needs of this vulnerable population.
Craig’s legal representation has spanned all levels of Ontario Courts, including the Supreme Court of Ontario, the Federal Court of Canada, and various tribunals and boards across Alberta. He has represented clients with significant assets, complex family situations, and challenging legal issues, consistently achieving favorable outcomes. His courtroom experience and strategic thinking are invaluable in protecting client interests.
Key Achievements & Recognitions:
- Recognized: Trusts and Estates, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory – Estate and Tax Planning
- Estate Litigation: (2016) – Recognized by The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
- Leading Practitioner: Chosen by LawDay as one of the leading practitioners in Canada in the area of Estates and Trusts (2009)
- Best Attorney USA: Recognized Since 2009
Practice Areas:
- Trusts and Estates
- Estate Litigation
- Probate Litigation
- Trust Disputes
- Capacity Litigation
- Fiduciary Litigation
- Power of Attorney Disputes
- Guardianship Litigation
Education & Credentials:
- Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law (Law Society of Upper Canada)
- Estate Mediator
- Experience representing clients before all levels of Court in Ontario, the Federal Court of Canada, the trial and appellate Courts of Alberta and various tribunals and boards.
If you are facing challenges related to estate planning, trust administration, or estate litigation, Craig R. Vander Zee offers strategic counsel and aggressive representation to protect your rights and achieve your legal objectives. He is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal solutions for complex situations, backed by a distinguished record of success.
