Estate law remains deeply jurisdiction-specific. How the law will recognize family relationships can easily differ across provincial lines. If you intend for someone to benefit from your estate, that intention must be expressed clearly. 13 Mar

Jurisdiction Matters: What Makes You a ‘Child’ in an Estate?

Dealing with the GSTT can be complex and confusing. With proper planning, the GST exemption provides opportunities to reduce or potentially eliminate the transfer taxes associated with gifting or passing money to younger generations. 12 Mar

Understanding The Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT)

Trust distributions fall into two categories, and the difference is significant. Mandatory distributions versus discretionary distributions: the difference the trust document makes... 10 Nov

Trust Distributions: Mandatory vs Discretionary

A multijurisdictional approach uses one document, whereas a cross-jurisdictional approach uses multiple, separate documents. Both require specialized legal advice to navigate differences in foreign laws, such as forced heirship rules, and to ensure wishes are carried out effectively.  03 Nov

Multi-Jurisdictional vs Cross-Jurisdictional Estate Planning

Estate planning is full of jargon and look-alike terms that can trip people up. A few small words can make a big difference. Here’s a Plain-English Guide to The Most Commonly Confused Estate Planning Terms... And What They Really Mean! 17 Sep

Commonly Confused Estate Planning Terms: Florida Law

Conditional bequests are provisions in a will that make an inheritance contingent on a beneficiary fulfilling specific requirements. These conditions must be clear, possible, and not violate public policy or the law to be valid.  08 Sep

Conditional Bequests: Criteria for Legal Validity

A "letter of wishes" can also be known as a memorandum of wishes, a precatory memorandum, an expression of wishes, or a letter of intent. It serves as a non-binding document to provide guidance to executors and trustees regarding the administration of an estate or trust.  02 Sep

Letter of Wishes: Common Synonyms & Primary Use Cases

The term "executor" itself is used across many legal systems and cultures. Other terms like "estate trustee" and "estate representative" are also used, but the core function remains the same: managing the estate according to the will. 14 Aug

Estate Executor: Role —by any other name— Remains the Same

A separate situs will is a will that complies with the laws of a specific jurisdiction ("situs") where you own property. It is a strategy to manage multi-jurisdictional assets and can help reduce probate fees and other administrative burdens... 12 Aug

Estate Planning Terminology: Separate “Situs” Wills

Spendthrift trusts help ensure that beneficiaries can’t squander their inheritance. They can also serve to protect assets from creditors. Rather than allowing the beneficiary to receive a lump sum, the trustee releases the money incrementally. 07 Aug

Spendthrift Trusts: What Are They and How Do They Work?

In Ontario, the term "executor" is now often replaced with "estate trustee" to more accurately reflect the fiduciary role they play in managing an estate. This change is not Canada-wide, but specific to Ontario's legal terminology.  21 Jul

Executor vs. Estate Trustee: Ontario Specific Legal Terminology

Using the correct terms is critical in wills, trusts, and other legal documents because these words have significant implications. The wrong word can lead the probate Court to incorrectly interpret your documents and therefore cause an unintended result. 20 Jun

Commonly Confused Legal Terms for Describing Your Loved Ones