An estate trustee is required to act impartially between all the beneficiaries and to not favor one or more beneficiaries over others. This is colloquially described as the duty to ‘maintain an even hand’. 19 Sep

Treating Beneficiaries Equally: The “Even-Hand Rule”

While a trust can be an effective way to manage and transfer ownership of the family cottage, it requires careful planning to get it right. 19 Sep

Trust Planning for The Family Cottage: Key Considerations

While Canada is undergoing its largest-ever wealth transfer, with $1 trillion in assets expected to change hands, data reveals many are unprepared, and their financial advisors are not equipped to offer comprehensive estate planning support. 15 Sep

The Great Wealth Transfer: Canadians Remain Unprepared

While it can be an uncomfortable conversation to have, many Canadians say estate planning is important, yet nearly half report having never discussed the topic with their financial advisor, according to a new survey. 15 Sep

Estate Planning Survey Reveals Canadians Are Not Prepared

Neutral Ground in Family Storms: How the appointment of a professional estate executor can help families navigate turbulent waters. 12 Sep

Reasons for Appointing a Neutral Professional in The Role of Executor

Small mistakes, like adding a child to a property title or failing to file the right forms, can create huge tax costs for your family. The key is to plan early and get the right advice. 11 Sep

Avoiding Unnecessary Taxes For Your Surviving Loved Ones

The right planning can ensure you pass down your home without your kids facing large tax liabilities. Here's a simple guide to how it works... 10 Sep

How to Leave Property to Your Kids Tax-Free

Without proper planning, your pets could end up in shelters or with people who aren’t prepared to care for them properly. Taking time now to make these arrangements ensures your faithful companions will be loved and cared for throughout their lives. 09 Sep

Choosing the Right Caregiver for Your Furry Family Members

While a verbal promise might be enforceable in certain circumstances, it’s best to have the promised inheritance in writing. This article explores the legal obligations that come with promised inheritance in British Columbia.  09 Sep

Protecting Your Verbally Promised Inheritance

As an executor, it is important to be aware that simply being in a position where your interests appear to conflict with those of the beneficiaries may be enough for a court to remove you as an executor. 08 Sep

Examples of Executor-Beneficiary Conflict of Interest

Recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision provides an important lesson to farming families and their professional advisors: good intentions and family loyalty, while laudable, are no substitute for clear, enforceable agreements. 05 Sep

Court Decision: Important Lesson for Ontario Farming Families

Life Insurance is more than just a safety net. It’s a strategic tool. Learn how life insurance is not just about risk— it’s about opportunity... in this in-depth guide to understanding the different types of Life Insurance for Estate Planning in Canada. 05 Sep

Understanding The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning