Police campaign targets POA theft
A police service in Alberta is doing its bit to raise awareness of thefts by power of attorney. Following a recent spate of elder abuse cases, the Edmonton Police Service…
Common-law spouse sues partner’s estate after his estranged wife is appointed executor
Updating your relationship status? Update your will while you’re at it if you want your estate to stay out of the courts. Common-law spouses can often be left in a tricky…
Physician working to boost POA awareness
A power of attorney may be the most valuable legal instrument you’ve never heard of, but a New Brunswick family doctor is hoping to change that. Under provincial legislation, attorneys…
Biological son loses out on inheritance as court rectifies will
When it comes to your will, clarity is key for those with complex family arrangements. Canadian society has moved well beyond the “nuclear family” ideal. Few people would bat an eyelid…
Duelling sisters removed as co-trustees can add up to trouble
There is no such thing as strength in numbers when it comes to estate trustees. Considering how challenging the job of executor is, I can understand the logic of a…
Succession planning lacking among Ontario’s small businesses
Succession planning for small business owners is not a job that can be rushed, but a new survey suggests that many Ontario employers need to get a move on. According…
Punitive damages awarded against rogue executor
Drafting a will is not just about who gets what. One critical decision often overlooked by testators is the appointment of an executor – also known as the estate trustee –…
‘Fill-in-the-blanks’ will kit ends up in court
A Do-it-yourself will may save you some money now, but it will probably cost your beneficiaries later. The problem for testators who go it alone without the benefit of legal…
Boomers lagging on estate planning
Baby Boomers need to get a move on with their estate plans. Investment Executive magazine recently reported on a survey of Boomers that found a stunning 44 per cent of those…
Beware joint ownership risks during estate planning
Testators should know the risks before using joint ownership as an estate planning tool. There are certainly good reasons for owning property jointly with a beneficiary – top among them its…