DALE, Allison: B.A. (Hons), LL.B., CAFA®

I grew up on a beef and cash crop farm north of London, ON. Although I don’t actively farm, my family still does and I am familiar with the concerns and priorities of farm families. I attended law school with the intent to work in a rural community and assist agricultural clients in the various areas of law they require.

My practice focuses on estate planning and administration as well as real estate. With my clients, I discuss what goals they have with their estate plan and then determine a plan that best suits their needs. This includes the drafting of wills and powers of attorney, as well as a discussion of other estate planning tools such as life insurance. In determining as estate plan for farm families, I coordinate with accountants and farm advisors to determine the best succession plan for the family’s particular needs. With respect to real estate transactions, I have assisted a number of farmers with purchasing and selling their farmland.  These transactions can often include discrepancies regarding boundaries, as well as other title issues.

Having grown up on a farm, I have been involved with farm families and businesses my whole life. As such experience relates to my involvement through employment, however, I worked from 2005-2009 with Robert G. Waters in Strathroy, as an associate lawyer. While working with Mr. Waters, I had a number of family farm clients, given the rural location of his practice. I assisted farm families with corporate restructuring to include children who were becoming more involved in the family farm operation. I also created estate and succession plans for many farm clients. In addition, I had the privilege of assisting Mr. Waters with a farm odour case which was before the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board, and appealed beyond.

My practice is now located in the small town of Lucan, where I continue to have a number of rural and farm clients.  I have assisted a number of farm families with a succession plan for their farm and have also completed a number of real estate transactions involving farm land.

Member : Law Society of Upper Canada