It is important to clearly document and communicate intentions when making either a loan or a gift to a family member. Sometimes we assume a verbal agreement is sufficient but having clear written documentation removes uncertainty and mitigates the risk of disputes arising after the fact. 05 Sep

A Family Feud Unwrapped in Court: Gifts vs Loans

Moving to a new state is a significant life event that requires reviewing and likely updating your estate plan, as state laws and tax implications can differ. 04 Sep

Moving to a New State? Review & Update Your Estate Plan!

Even if AI tools produce legal documents that look valid, the risks are obvious. Can the court step in and fix errors in an AI-generated Will? 04 Sep

Testator Intent: AI Generated Wills Lack “Proof & Context”

Incapacity can happen suddenly and without warning, but the good news is that it’s entirely possible to plan ahead. By putting the right legal protections in place, you’re not only preserving your dignity and autonomy—you’re also giving your loved ones the gift of clarity and guidance during uncertain times. 04 Sep

Planning Ahead for Incapacity and Medical Emergencies

Planning a funeral can seem like a daunting task, but a step-by-step approach can help you to honor and remember a loved one. Memorial services provide opportunities for family members, friends, and others to offer comfort and support to the bereaved and to each other. 04 Sep

Funeral Planning: Step-by-Step Guide to Honoring a Loved One

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

02 Sep

Siblings Inheritance Laws: Intestacy Rules and Property Rights

Planning ahead to lower the value of what you leave behind, so "less is taxed"— Estate tax can be reduced using a variety of legitimate estate planning techniques... 29 Aug

Planning Techniques: 10 Common Ways To Reduce Estate Taxes

Ontario Estate Court Forms Revamped: Key Changes You Need to Know 29 Aug

Ontario Estate Court Forms Revamped: Key Changes

This summer, the Montana Supreme Court had to weigh in on a modern question: can a selfie video serve as a person’s last Will? The short answer was no. Stories like the Montana case can be useful teaching tools. They help illustrate that intent is only half the battle—validity is the other.  28 Aug

Selfie Video Last Will and Testament? Still a Step Too Far!

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision, from 1991, established principles for proving undue influence in trust cases: the Geffen v. Goodman family and trust estate dispute... 28 Aug

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada Decision: Undue Influence

Baby boomers are expected to pass down $124 trillion by 2048, and women are positioned to inherit much of that wealth. But many say they feel unprepared to manage an inheritance... 27 Aug

Statistics: Majority of Women Confess ‘Inheritance Anxiety’