Document gifts to kids or risk estate litigation
It’s sometimes hard to tell who is happier when generous parents present a large gift to their grateful child. But the mutual joy could be short lived if the transaction…
It’s sometimes hard to tell who is happier when generous parents present a large gift to their grateful child. But the mutual joy could be short lived if the transaction…
Determining who is a testator’s spouse is not as straightforward as it might seem at first glance. In a recent B.C. case, a Chinese woman failed in an attempt to…
Can I get a witness? A recent Alberta decision shows you might not always need one for your will to be valid, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about…
Once you’ve taken the trouble of drafting a will, make sure you keep it safe. In my opinion, the best place for the original copy is with your lawyer, and…
We all like to save money here and there, but a do-it-yourself will is one low-cost option that hardly ever pays off in the long run. Will kits have long…
A recent judicial disagreement over beneficiary designations makes the case for extra detail and clarity in a will. Earlier last year, in a case known as Mak (Estate) v. Mak,…
Online obituaries are turning into a bit of a minefield for the families of recently deceased loved ones.CBC News recently reported on the family of John Rothwell and their run-in…
It’s always great to have options, and recent developments have given our clients fresh choices when it comes to how they draw up their estate plans. One of the better…
If you’re among the 51 per cent of Canadians without a will, then Make a Will Month is a great time to join the other 49. Let’s face it: nobody…
Excerpt: Anna Pires needed something to look forward to after losing her job, her marriage and her house five years ago. The prospect of moving into her dream home fit…