For those acting under a power of attorney for property, one duty stands above all others: the fiduciary duty. Attorneys for property are granted extraordinary power under Ontario’s Substitute Decisions Act.…
The most valuable assets in the estate are not always the ones that would fetch the biggest price. Over my many years of estates law practice, I have seen plenty…
Can a notebook entry be considered a will? In Ontario, the answer is “yes,” as a recent decision demonstrates. But it’s not an example you should follow if you want…
If there’s one disruption sure to give small business owners nightmares, it’s the death of the proprietor. But it’s a prospect that they need to consider if they intend to properly…
Beneficiary designations are a way for testators to make major changes to their estate with minimum effort. Although they’re often forgotten by testators, the beneficiary designations on things like RRSPs,…
Anyone with a pet knows that they are much more than property. But as the recent case of Rocco Jr. shows, that’s not how the law views them. According to…
Appointing multiple attorneys multiplies your risk of legal trouble. While it is possible for feuding siblings to come together in a family crisis such as a parent’s major health episode,…
Drafting a will is just the first step towards a successful estate plan. In order for your wishes to actually be carried out after your passing, you need to check…
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…
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…
