The recent passing of Aretha Franklin on August 16 means the music industry has lost yet another icon. It also, however, serves a useful reminder – even those who appear to have all the financial success in the world, don’t necessarily ensure their financial affairs are in order. Shortly following the death of Franklin, the world learned she died without a will. See Article. This was despite the fact that….
A Deathly Reminder Continue Reading »
WillsEarlier this week, the Law Commission in the UK confirmed that electronic signatures can be used to sign formal legal contracts under English law. John Hancock is rolling over in his grave. In England and Wales, the Law Commission is an independent legal advisor set up by Parliament to review laws and recommend reforms. The Commission has issued guidance and a summary document stating that e-signatures are just as valid as paper signatures. Currently in Canada, certain documents….
e-Signed, Sealed, Delivered….and Legal Continue Reading »
Contested wills, Contracts, Estate Litigation, In the News, International, Power of Attorney, Trusts, WillsOn August 17, 2018, Justice Fred Myers released his reasons for dismissing a pastor’s request to extend a July 2018 publication ban and order sealing the court file in respect of a paternity lawsuit brought by the pastor against a former congregant and lover who claimed he had fathered her child. Martin Kofi Danso, a Toronto pastor and self-styled “prophet”, is the founder of Miracle Arena for All Nations, a….
Profit Pastor Has His “Bill Clinton” Moment Continue Reading »
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Over the last few months I have attended two 90th birthday parties. Both had a common theme for me, which was how good it is to have family and friends around. Both of these 90 year old gentleman are still sharp, engaging and while less active than they once were, they maintained the same sparkle in their eyes that I had known for some time. They both said that while….
You are as old as you feel, or are you? Continue Reading »
Elder CareA battle has been waging in Canada since 2012 over “political activities” by registered charities. The previous Federal Government initiated an audit by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of 60 registered charities, which was discontinued in 2017 by the current government. On July 16, 2018, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice struck down the limitations as unjustifiable restriction of a charity’s freedom of expression. On August 15, the Government of….
Charities and Political Activities Continue Reading »
Estate Donations, Philanthropy/Charitable GivingIn my last blog I described some important changes to the Ontario Disability Support Program (“ODSP”). Specifically, I looked at certain provisions of Ontario Regulation 278/18 (“Amending Regulation”), which amended Ontario Regulation 222/98, the General ODSP Regulation (“ODSP Regulation”), to: eliminate the $10,000 limit on voluntary payments to ODSP recipients in any 12-month period, which include payments from a trust, payments from a life insurance policy, and gifts; and designate….
Update: Ford Government Rolls Back Changes to ODSP General Regulation Continue Reading »
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