Total 493 Posts
Today’s blog was written by Jonathon Vander Zee, student-at-law at de VRIES LITIGATION LLP The original copy of a last will and testament is lost and cannot be found… now what? Losing an original copy of a will does not necessarily mean that it is no longer legally binding or invalid. Where a copy of the original will exists, a party may make an application to the court to have….
It is important to consider estate planning objectives when entering into real estate transactions. For example, a client may intend to retain control of real property in that they intend to be able to dispose of it on death. However, if the relevant estate planning objectives are not identified and considered at the time of the transaction, other goals may be prioritized instead; this may result in the structure of….
Taking Back Control of Real Property Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Property, Real EstateIt is very difficult to plan for every possible scenario when you are drafting your will. Not only is it important to consider who to name as your executor, but you also need to think about what would happen if something happened to your executor. In an earlier blog, I looked at what happens if an executor dies before the testator and offered some practical considerations. Today’s blog will explore….
What Happens if Something Happens to your Executor? – Part Two Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Executors, TrusteeA recent Toronto Star article[1] highlighted what has become a bit of an interesting viral trend in the modern internet era: “scorched earth” obituaries, written by one or more of a deceased person’s relatives, who do not have anything nice to say in their send-off of the departed. The article provides a few highlights from recent examples, including an obituary prepared by a deceased woman’s children that said “they understand that….
Dearly Departed…or not? Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Family ConflictThis blog has been written by Mohena Singh, Associate at Fasken LLP As an estate planner, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “How do I transfer my house or cottage to my family without paying estate administration tax?” A common way we have seen individuals attempt to accomplish their goal of transferring real property without paying estate administration tax (also known as “probate fees”) is by….
Joint tenancy: a cost-effective or costly measure to save on probate fees? Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Joint Tenancy, Probate Tax, Real Estate, WillsToday’s blog is written by Jessica J. Butler, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP TV legend Bob Barker passed away on August 26, 2023 at the age of 99 – just 4 months shy of his 100th birthday. Bob was probably most well known for being the legendary host of the long-running game show The Price is Right (and, like me, you may also have the image of Bob’s right hook….
The Price is…Dependant Relief? Continue Reading »
Charitable Giving, Dependant Support, Estate Administration, Estate Planning