91-year-old’s brother ousted as POA after misappropriating funds
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…
Widow defeats CRA in fight over husband’s $100k RRSP
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…
Obstructive sister removed as co-executor of father’s estate
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…
Beneficiaries duel over dual wills
Drafting one will is hard enough for most people. But for some testators, a secondary will may actually be worth the extra effort. For several decades, Ontario testators have been…
Will-making and wellness
Making a will is good for your mental health as well as your financial health. I get why so many people push estate planning to the back of their priority…
Litigation over lost will depletes ‘very modest’ estate
If you think losing your keys is frustrating, spare a thought for the children of an Ontario woman who are still fighting over their mother’s missing will, years after her death. …
Court validates notebook entry as a will
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…
Stepdaughter inherits father’s RRSP despite faulty beneficiary designation
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,…
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…
‘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…
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