Will’s disappearance sparks estate litigation
January 26, 2024
Having gone to the trouble of drafting a will, you don’t want to undo your good work by letting it get
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LEARN FROM US
You’re never too young to make a will
January 7, 2024
A recent fall in life expectancy rates is a reminder that you’re never too young to make a will. Between
Charity accuses executor of misappropriating $400k from estate
January 5, 2024
A charity’s pursuit of $400,000 in missing estate funds should remind testators just how important it is to choose the
Don’t let ‘substantial compliance’ success breed complacency
December 22, 2023
The era of “substantial compliance” is well underway in Ontario. Just over two years after lawmakers at Queen’s Park passed
Dog’s future in limbo after owner’s death
November 28, 2023
Don’t forget your pooch when planning your estate. Many families regard their pets as full members, but only a small
Court halts POA sale of testamentary gift
October 25, 2023
Getting a will can protect your beneficiaries while you’re still alive, as a recent Ontario court case demonstrates. Before he
Deceased’s common-law spouse wins joint account battle against step-children
October 5, 2023
Testators should document their intentions when they set up joint bank accounts if they want to avoid a future estate battle
Stepfamily growth calls for estate planning action
September 26, 2023
Estate planning should be a priority for Canada’s growing stepfamily population. With more and more people finding relationship success at
Will ambiguity fuels estate litigation between siblings
September 22, 2023
Testamentary ambiguity is often the spark that ignites a court battle after the death of a loved one. Across the
Over-55s lagging on estate plans
August 30, 2023
There’s no need to wait until retirement to get a will in place. According to a new poll by Angus
Pre-death will challenge is premature
August 25, 2023
In my long career in estates law, I have learned to spot which wills are most likely to end up
Specific, not standardized language best for revoking beneficiary designations
August 3, 2023
Testators need to get specific if they want their will to revoke their beneficiary designations, according to Ontario’s Court of Appeal.