Rushed DIY will ends up in court
If there’s anything worse than a do-it-yourself will, it’s one written in a rush. I understand the money-saving draw of will kits – a longtime staple at stationers across the…
If there’s anything worse than a do-it-yourself will, it’s one written in a rush. I understand the money-saving draw of will kits – a longtime staple at stationers across the…
Ontario estates law may have caught up with common sense on the property rights of separated spouses after a landmark amendment finally took full effect. Section 17 of the Succession…
Don’t let the power (of attorney) go to your head. Unless they’re in the business of wills and estates, appointees under a power of attorney for property are often surprised…
An Alberta widow has scored a big win for taxpayers and estate planners across the country after fighting off a claim by the Canada Revenue Agency against her deceased husband’s…
Nothing stirs up old sibling rivalries like the death of a parent. In my line of work, it’s not uncommon to see brothers and sisters in their 50s and 60s…
As the cost-of-living crisis continues, Canadians are finding it easier than ever to procrastinate on making a will. Parents and their children struggling with higher rents and rising inflation understandably…
Death binders are in style in estate planning and this is one trend I can definitely get behind. The idea is for the binder to serve as a kind of…
Testators should take care when “wishing” for certain outcomes in their will. As the sister of a deceased Thunder Bay man recently discovered, not every wish, hope, desire or other…
Breach your marital duties and you could end up in trouble with your spouse, but breach your fiduciary duties under a power of attorney and a court could get involved.…
Bare trusts are getting a reporting reprieve. Beneficiaries of this common form of trust (and their lawyers) will be breathing a sigh of relief after the Canada Revenue Agency announced…