Conditional bequests are provisions in a will that make an inheritance contingent on a beneficiary fulfilling specific requirements. These conditions must be clear, possible, and not violate public policy or the law to be valid.  08 Sep

Conditional Bequests: Criteria for Legal Validity

A "letter of wishes" can also be known as a memorandum of wishes, a precatory memorandum, an expression of wishes, or a letter of intent. It serves as a non-binding document to provide guidance to executors and trustees regarding the administration of an estate or trust.  02 Sep

Letter of Wishes: Common Synonyms & Primary Use Cases

The term "executor" itself is used across many legal systems and cultures. Other terms like "estate trustee" and "estate representative" are also used, but the core function remains the same: managing the estate according to the will. 14 Aug

Estate Executor: Role —by any other name— Remains the Same

A separate situs will is a will that complies with the laws of a specific jurisdiction ("situs") where you own property. It is a strategy to manage multi-jurisdictional assets and can help reduce probate fees and other administrative burdens... 12 Aug

Estate Planning Terminology: Separate “Situs” Wills

Spendthrift trusts help ensure that beneficiaries can’t squander their inheritance. They can also serve to protect assets from creditors. Rather than allowing the beneficiary to receive a lump sum, the trustee releases the money incrementally. 07 Aug

Spendthrift Trusts: What Are They and How Do They Work?

What is a Trust and Estate Planning Practitioner (TEP)? 22 Jul

What is a Trust and Estate Planning Practitioner (TEP)?

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

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

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

Inheritance Disputes: What is 'Scorched Earth' Litigation? 10 Jul

Inheritance Disputes: What is ‘Scorched Earth’ Litigation?

Estate Planning and Succession Planning— What exactly are the differences between the two? And which one do you need to plan for a secure future for your loved ones? 04 Jul

Estate Planning vs. Succession Planning

End-of-Life Planning vs Estate Planning: What's the Difference? 27 Jun

End-of-Life Planning vs. Estate Planning: What’s the Difference?