The Finality of Probate: Limits on Subsequent Proceedings 29 Apr

The Finality of Probate: Limits on Subsequent Proceedings

Groundbreaking Estate Decisions in 2024 & 2025 23 Apr

Groundbreaking Estate Decisions Released in 2024 & 2025

5 Key Steps for Retirement and Estate Planning in 2025 28 Mar

5 Key Steps for Retirement and Estate Planning in 2025

A contingent beneficiary is a backup beneficiary who inherits assets if the primary beneficiary is unable to, for example, if they predecease you or are unable to accept the inheritance. You likely need a contingent beneficiary to ensure your assets are distributed as intended, even if your primary beneficiary can't receive them.  19 Mar

What is a Contingent (or Secondary) Beneficiary?

An advance directive is a broad term for legal documents outlining your wishes for medical care if you become unable to make decisions, while a living will is a specific type of advance directive that focuses on end-of-life medical treatment.  19 Mar

What is the Difference Between an Advance Directive and a Living Will?

Most individuals consider purely domestic estate matters to be complex and challenging.  Add another country into the equation and the legal complexity quickly multiplies. 19 Mar

Navigating Cross-Border and Multijurisdictional Estate Matters

There can be sentimental reasons to keep inherited real estate, but —unless you plan to use the property personally— you should ask yourself: would you buy that real estate with an equivalent amount of cash? 17 Mar

Inheriting Real Estate: Ask Yourself “Would You Buy it?”

A common misconception about donor advised funds is that they are trusts, charitable purpose trusts. At times, lawyers, especially those with expertise in trusts and estates, struggle with this distinction, as do donors. 13 Mar

Donor Advised Funds vs. Charitable Purpose Trusts

Economic uncertainty, inflation and the decline of workplace pensions have left growing numbers of Canadian seniors unable to leave their jobs. What can aspiring but anxious would-be retirees do? 13 Mar

Why “Unretirement” May Be the Fate of So Many Canadians

Although still commonly used, in Ontario the term "probate" stopped being officially used on April 1, 1995 (no joke…). What is the process to obtain a Certificate of Appointment, with or without a will? This article answers some of the most common questions... 11 Mar

Frequently Asked Questions About Certificates of Appointment

Can You Decline or Step Down as Power of Attorney in Canada? 10 Mar

Can You Decline or Step Down as Power of Attorney in Canada?

Validity Requirements for Last Wills and Testaments in Ontario 27 Feb

Validity Requirements for Last Wills and Testaments in Ontario