Choosing the right estate trustee —at the planning stage— can be one of the most important decisions a testator makes. This case serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when an estate trustee fails to appreciate the seriousness of the role... 03 Jul

Cautionary Tale: When Poor Administration Comes at a Cost

With many estates being administered over extended periods —by older spouses, siblings, or peers— the risk that an executor becomes incapable is very real and foreseeable. Planning for incapacity at the drafting stage is key... 26 Jun

What Happens When An Estate Executor Becomes Incapable?

Discretionary trusts can be an effective way to provide for beneficiaries without granting them fixed entitlements. However, these structures can create uncertainty for beneficiaries... Understanding the legal framework is critical for both sides. 21 May

Ontario Guide to Discretionary Trusts and Beneficiary Rights

If you think the executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate is mismanaging the assets within it, it’s easy to feel powerless. However, when you know what steps to take, you may be able to hold the executor accountable while preventing further loss. 22 Apr

Executor Mismanaging Estate: What Beneficiaries Should Do

An understanding of the legal framework governing estate and trust distributions provides the necessary context for examining why fiduciaries may choose to postpone disbursements. 11 Apr

Frequently Asked Questions About Delayed Distributions

If you are a trust beneficiary in California, the law stands behind you. You have specific, enforceable rights that a trustee cannot ignore, sidestep, or delay. If your trustee has treated you unfairly, here's what you need to know... 02 Apr

Your Rights as a Trust Beneficiary in California

This guide explains how Canada taxes estates at death, what executors and beneficiaries need to know, and why professional advice is critical. 17 Feb

Estate and Inheritance Taxes in Canada: Complete Guide

Settling a loved one's digital life requires understanding legal roles and provider policies. Every company follows its own specific rules and privacy policies. Learn the process for managing digital accounts and how planning can simplify it. 31 Jan

The Legal Steps Involved in Settling a Loved One’s Digital Life

Being an executor doesn’t end when you hand out the last inheritance check. Your legal liability stretches far beyond the day you think you’re done, and the mistakes that trigger lawsuits aren’t always obvious when you’re making them. 28 Nov

Executor Personal Liability: Mistakes That Trigger Lawsuits

Trust distributions fall into two categories, and the difference is significant. Mandatory distributions versus discretionary distributions: the difference the trust document makes... 10 Nov

Trust Distributions: Mandatory vs Discretionary

It is generally unreasonable to expect an executor to work for free, or for less than the standard rate, given the considerable amount of work involved. For potential executors, clarity about compensation helps them make informed decisions about accepting the role. 04 Nov

Is it Reasonable for an Executor to Expect Compensation?

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