When someone dies owing more money than their estate contains, the situation becomes an insolvent estate. Understanding the laws governing insolvent estates is crucial for anyone appointed as an estate trustee. 23 Oct

Complete Guide to Understanding Insolvent Estates in Ontario

Homemade wills can create confusion, delay and heartbreak for the very people you’re trying to protect. A will is one of the most important legal documents a person will ever sign. Spending an hour with an estate lawyer is not a luxury — it’s a safeguard against the horrors of homemade wills. 21 Oct

Cautionary Tales of DIY Gone Awry: The Horrors of Homemade Wills

To determine whether the photocopy could be admitted, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice applied the "four-part legal test for admitting a lost will" and found that all four criteria were satisfied... 20 Oct

Ontario Court Ruling: Photocopy of Lost Will Deemed Admissible

A successful dependant support application requires clear, detailed and credible evidence. This article explores these requirements, highlighting key principles from recent case law. 15 Oct

Burden of Proof: Building a Strong Dependant Support Claim

Since most farmers are, on average, 56 years of age, many family farms are expected to transition within the next decade. Farm succession requires an approach that considers the tax implications, the farming operations and the family’s wishes. 14 Oct

The Time to Discuss The Future of The Family Farm is Now!

While Canada’s tax system doesn’t impose a traditional inheritance tax, estate taxes through capital gains, final income returns, and probate fees can still shrink inheritances dramatically. By leveraging these strategies, you can pass down more of your hard-earned wealth. 09 Oct

Tax-Smart Inheritance Strategies for Canadians

Few legal disputes are as personal and emotional as challenging a will. Whether you are considering contesting a will or defending against a challenge, you should know what to expect... 08 Oct

Contesting a Will in Ontario: How it Works & What to Expect

The McCain Foods succession dispute was a bitter, multi-year feud between brothers Harrison and Wallace McCain, co-founders of the french fry giant, that began in the early 1990s.  07 Oct

McCain Foods Succession Dispute: Brother vs Brother

A spousal trust can be very beneficial for your family’s financial future. But the execution of such a trust requires careful consideration and planning as trustees must balance the current needs of the surviving spouse with the future inheritance of the heirs. 06 Oct

Spousal Trusts: Selecting the Right Trustee

It is crucial for individuals to fully understand the significant implications and constraints of mutual wills before committing to them. 02 Oct

Mutual Wills: Know The Risks Before You Commit!

Estate disputes rarely arise from money alone. They are often triggered by conflicting instructions, unclear drafting, or overlooked provisions. The best protection is clarity, coordination, and regular review. 02 Oct

Ambiguous Wills: How Fragile an Estate Plan Can Become

One of the biggest estate planning mistakes you can make is failing to have Health and Financial Powers of Attorney. Protect your wishes. Select someone you trust implicitly to manage your affairs and make personal decisions on your behalf.  30 Sep

Why Powers of Attorney (POAs) are Crucial