The stakes are higher than most people realize. Without proper estate planning, your family could lose thousands of dollars to unnecessary taxes, face months of legal delays, and endure family conflicts that could have been easily prevented. 28 Jul

Complete Guide to Protecting Your Family: Estate Planning Ontario

Is Inheritance Considered Marital Property in Canada? 25 Jul

Is Inheritance Considered Marital Property in Canada?

Predatory marriage occurs when someone marries a vulnerable elderly person, often with cognitive decline, to gain financial control. Early intervention is essential – contact an experienced estate professional immediately upon discovering suspicious circumstances. 24 Jul

Predatory Marriage: Protecting Aging Populations in Alberta

Accessing a deceased loved one's digital accounts is a complex issue, often resulting in legal battles and emotional distress for families. Advocates continue to push for clearer policies and legal frameworks to address the challenges of digital inheritance... 22 Jul

Accessing a Deceased Loved One’s Digital Accounts

Learn how to handle an estate dispute under Canadian law. This guide will help you understand the grounds for disputing a will and its effect on the division of assets. 22 Jul

Canadian Guide to Understanding the Grounds for Disputing a Will

Many people think all handwritten wills are holographic wills. This is not correct. This guide breaks down the difference between holographic and handwritten wills, how they work, when they’re appropriate, and their legal requirements in Canada... 22 Jul

Difference Between Holographic & Handwritten Wills in Canada

Recent Ontario Court of Appeal ruling reaffirms the modern cost approach in estate litigation: trustees who fail in their duties may not only be removed but may also bear the personal financial burden of their choices. 22 Jul

Personal Liability for Costs Due to Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Ontario

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

Here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that BAO staff regularly receive in phone calls and emails. Have a question we haven’t answered here? Please ask your question by email... 21 Jul

Bereavement Authority of Ontario: Answers to FAQs for Families

Many family farms are comprised of large, valuable parcels of farmland that have been passed down through generations. This blog post highlights why family farm operations are uniquely susceptible to estate battles. 18 Jul

Family Farm Operations: Uniquely Susceptible to Estate Disputes

Acting as an Estate Trustee can be challenging. It is important to appoint an individual who is responsible and reliable to fulfil this role as they have a fiduciary responsibility to the beneficiaries. 18 Jul

What is an Estate Trustee? What are their Responsibilities?

To file a dependant support claim against an estate, you must file a Notice of Application with the court and provide supporting evidence in an affidavit, typically within six months of the estate trustee being appointed.  15 Jul

How to File a Dependant Support Claim Against an Estate