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  • Legacy Lexicon
A memorandum or letter of wishes is a document containing an expression of wishes to your executors and beneficiaries, providing guidance on how you would like your estate to be administered. It is not a Will. 17 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Memorandum or Letter of Wishes?

What are the steps involved in administering an estate? How long does it typically take to administer an estate? What if I’m named as an executor but unwilling to serve? Here you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions... 10 Jun
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills and Estates (BC)

How is Debt is Handled by an Estate in Canada? Your executor is responsible for carrying out the duties of your will and arranging to pay off your debts. They will also close any accounts that you may have. If you don’t want to burden your loved ones with having to deal with your debt, there are steps you can take. 14 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

How is Debt is Handled by an Estate in Canada?

When getting started with an inheritance, it’s important to ask the right questions. Encompass Advisors have curated 12 essential questions to ask when expecting a financial windfall. 29 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

12 Questions to Ask When Receiving an Inheritance

When combined with the nuances of deemed disposition, estate planning can quickly become complex. Personalized advice is invaluable for devising a strategy to maximize your wealth transfer to the people and causes you love. 15 Feb
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Deemed Disposition at Death: Top Questions Answered

People think a will is an estate plan. But it is not. It is a document as part of an estate plan. A legal Will can be one of the most powerful documents in your estate plan. But it is not the only tool you will need. 04 Dec
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

If I Have a Legal Will, Do I Still Need an Estate Plan?

It is not always clear whether an aging parent or relative needs help. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs. If you become aware that a loved one needs help, you will be better prepared to provide support for their safety and well-being. 12 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

How Will I Know When My Aging Parents Need Help?

Do your loved ones know your wishes should you become incapacitated? Making decisions without clear directions from you can be extremely difficult. Every Canadian adult should have a living will... 22 Mar
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Advance Directives: What Should be Included in Your Living Will?

If you don’t select an executor or trustee for your estate, or if the person you named refuses to act in that role, then someone may apply to the court to be appointed as an administrator of your estate. 20 Jan
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

British Columbia: What Happens If You Don’t Appoint an Executor?

What Happens if a Person Has Multiple Wills in Ontario? 28 May
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if a Person Has Multiple Wills in Ontario?

The Probate Process: Frequently Asked Questions 05 Oct
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About The Probate Process

Executors are often surprised by how long their newly accepted “job” will be. Beneficiaries are equally surprised to hear how long it might take before they start seeing estate funds come their way. How long does it take to administer an estate? 03 Aug
  • by Estates Gone Wrong
  • Curated Content, Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should it Take to Administer an Estate?

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With many estates being administered over extended periods —by older spouses, siblings, or peers— the risk that an executor becomes incapable is very real and foreseeable. Planning for incapacity at the drafting stage is key...

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Navigating the legal maze of Canadian Estate Planning can be exceptionally daunting due to the recent enforcement of transparency mandates across all provinces. This article examines the structural steps required to successfully execute a family trust in Canada...

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This article provides general information only. Estate administration rules and procedures vary across provinces and territories, and legal advice is recommended in most cases.

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