Whether you own a cottage, a family home, or any other high-value asset, working with an experienced estate lawyer to craft clear, specific, and regularly updated instructions is not just good practice — it is essential. 22 Mar

Why Cottage Estates Are a Breeding Ground for Family Conflict

One of the most common misconceptions in Canadian financial planning is that you can “leave it all to the kids” without the government taking a cut. 10 Mar

Strategies to Minimize Estate Taxes in Canada

Selling or transferring an inherited cottage in Canada often triggers capital gains tax, even though Canada does not have an inheritance tax. If you are administering an estate or planning a future transfer, early tax clarity can prevent costly mistakes later. 12 Jan

Selling or Transferring an Inherited Cottage in Canada

Death and Taxes: In Canada, these two certainties collide in a particularly expensive way. Understand —and plan for— "deemed disposition"… before it's too late. 09 Dec

Understand & Plan For Deemed Disposition Before It’s Too Late

Ever thought about gifting a property to your children? I recently had this very discussion with my own aging parents. This resulted in some important discussions about our family home, their goals and consideration for the tax outcomes of any decisions made... 04 Dec

Transferring the Family Home: Considerations for Canadians

Transferring property to heirs "inter vivos" offers emotional benefits and potential probate fee reduction, but can trigger an immediate capital gains tax liability and means a loss of control and potential exposure to your heir's creditors.  02 Dec

Gifting Property to Your Heirs “Inter Vivos”: Pros and Cons

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

Anyone with substantial assets and investments should talk to their children or heirs about their financial situation and seek advice to try and lessen their final tax bill... 26 Sep

Grieving Ontario Family Shocked By Parents’ Final Tax Bill

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

In Canada, most trusts are separate legal entities taxed under strict rules in the Income Tax Act. Proper structuring is essential to reduce tax and avoid reporting issues. Regular reviews with your accountant and estate planning lawyer help prevent surprises. 14 Aug

Taxation of Trusts in Canada: How Does it Work?

Are you planning to leave real estate to a loved one under your Will? Do you want that property to be transferred free of debt or other claims? Language matters! 08 Aug

Navigating Bequests of Real Estate: Language Matters!