Laura Geddes

Laura joined Siskinds in 2012, after articling as a Judicial Research Clerk for the London Superior Court of Justice. Her practice focuses on estate planning and estate administration, including the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts. Laura also regularly advises clients who are acting as an Estate Trustee, or as a substitute decision maker under a Power of Attorney, on their duties and obligations. She has a particular interest in estate planning for families who have a loved one receiving Ontario Disability Support Payments, including the preparation of Henson Trusts. Laura is a certified Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). This internationally recognized designation signifies her proficiency in estates and trusts.

Laura completed her law degree at the University of Alberta, where she graduated with First Class Honours. In her final year of law school, she was the recipient of the Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Prize for the highest mark in Insurance Law. Laura also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie University, where she completed a double major in Biology and Philosophy. Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading and spending time outdoors with her family.

STEP Southwestern Ontario Chapter, Executive Member, 2022-current
Middlesex Law Association, Member
Law Society of Ontario, Member
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Member

Presenter at the Law Society of Ontario’s Annotated Will 2024 webinar

Panelist at the Law Society of Ontario’s 26^th Annual Estates and Trusts Summit

Presenter at the Middlesex Law Association’s 2023 Wills, Estates & Trusts Conference

Presenter at the Law Society of Ontario’s Annotated Will 2023 webinar

Panelist at the Law Society of Ontario’s  25^th Annual Estates and Trusts Summit

Presenter at the Ontario Bar Association 2021 program Wills and Estate Planning: A Primer

Regular presenter at the Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex “Next Steps” program series

Presenter at the Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex Brain Matters Webinar series, May 2021

Presenter at McCormick Dementia Services, Preparing for Dementia: Legal Perspectives web series, 2021

Panelist at Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex Annual Conference for Health Professionals, End of Life Care panel, November 2019

Presenter at Quad County Support Services on Henson Trusts, October 2018

Presenter at Participation House on advanced care planning, March 2018

Presenter at the Parkinson’s Society on advanced care planning, January 2018

Speaker at Straight from the Bench Conference, May 2014, "Meads v. Meads Update"

Boys & Girls Club of London Foundation, Board Member 2013-2019
London Community Orchestra, Violin, 2012-2020, Board Member 2013-2020

• Emerging guidance on substantial compliance Wills in 2023
• Receiving an inheritance while on the Ontario Disability Support Program
• The impact of marriage and separation on an existing Will: recent changes to the Succession Law Reform Act
• “Probate” in Ontario: common questions and concerns
• Updates to medical assistance in dying
• New trust reporting rules in effect in 2021
• Estate planning for professionals
• Virtual witnessing of Wills and POAs during the COVID-19 emergency: considerations for estate planning lawyers
• Lifetime Benefit Trusts
• Buyer Beware: What happens to your real estate deposit when conditions aren’t fulfilled
• What is a Qualified Disability Trust?
• Further wind litigation in the Oak Ridges Moraine: Part II
• Further wind litigation in the Oak Ridges Moraine: Part II
• Removing a Court-Appointed Guardian in Ontario
• The Consent and Capacity Board Cannot Appoint a Guardian of Property
• Guardianship Applications and the Substitute Decisions Act
• Capacity and Powers of Attorney
• The Disability Tax Credit – Do You Qualify
• Contributing to your RDSP
• RDSPs: Who is eligible and what are the benefits?