February 2021

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) – An Update

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Today marks a court-imposed deadline regarding legislative amendments to our laws on medical assistance in dying (“MAiD”). This topic, although heavy, has been important to me, particularly over the past year. As recently as the US election, someone close to me was scheduled for MAiD. As her date was approaching, the election results had not yet been determined. Everyone thought she was joking about cancelling or postponing her date to….

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Medical Assistance in Dying

Estate Planning – Effective Family Meetings

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This Blog was written by Sara Hillier, Estate and Trust Advisor at MD Private Trust Company which is part of Scotia Wealth Management “Oh hey! We’ve been meaning to ask you. Will you be our estate executor[1]?” a parent inquires of their eldest child over brunch. “Of course! No biggie.” comes the quick reply. “Alright it’s settled then.” and the conversation moves hastily on to more upbeat topics. After all, contemplating the….

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Uncategorized

When both parents have dementia….

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In the majority of families where there are still two parents living in the same home, the ‘well’ spouse becomes the primary caregiver to their husband/wife who has dementia. Caregiving for someone with a cognitive disorder is a full time job; especially when community supports, such as day programs and other respite services are not operating.  There is simply no place for them to go, to get out, have a….

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Caregiving, Elder Care

Dealing with U.S. Life Insurance Policies in Ontario Estate Plans

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After 4 years as a law clerk in the Fasken’s Private Client Service Group and Trust, Wills, Estates and Charities Group, I am changing tracks and joining TD Wealth as an Executive Trust Officer. While at Fasken I had the pleasure of working on many interesting and challenging matters along side some amazing people, so today, my last day, writing my final All About Estates Blog (“AAEB”) feels bitter sweet…..

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Uncategorized

Restricted gifts of real estate

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When I was a young charitable gift planner, my charity was offered a cluster of islands on Georgian Bay.  Surrounding the 100-year-old family cottage were sheds, cabins and boat houses.  The donors had a vision: it would be a children’s camp. It was a stunning property.  Valuable, despite the sagging, mouse-infested buildings.  But this gift by will was contingent and restricted.  It would be a children’s camp, or nothing at….

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Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized

Big New Rules for Small Estates

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The law in Canada is not static – it evolves and changes to meet our society’s needs through incremental changes to the common law (i.e. the application and interpretation of the law through the courts) and through legislative changes. One recent change to Ontario’s laws was made through the Smarter and Stronger Justice Act, 2020 (the “Act”). The purpose of the Act is to make it easier, faster and more….

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Courts, Estate Administration, Estate Administration and Probate Applications, Executors, Trustee, Wills
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