Ontario Court Ruling: Funds transferred to deceased's Daughter were "valid inter vivos gifts" and not subject to a resulting trust. 30 Jul

Court Rules in Favour of Daughter: the Validity of Inter Vivos Gifts

What if you no longer want to include someone in your will? Whether you're navigating a second marriage, dealing with an estranged relative, or leaving your assets to charity, there are reasons to disinherit someone. 13 Jun

Six Reasons to Disinherit Someone and How to Do It Correctly

It’s worth noting that the generation-skipping tax rate is steep. The positive news is that you can leverage a generous exemption to transfer wealth to younger generations while minimizing taxes.  12 Jun

Strategies for Minimizing Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes

This case is a testament to how even well-intentioned actions, when shrouded in ambiguity, can ignite protracted legal battles, leaving emotional scars and financial burdens on grieving families. 06 Jun

A Family Divided: Vancouver Condo at Centre of Estate Dispute

There can be benefits to gifting part of your estate during your lifetime (inter vivos), an increasingly popular wealth transfer option for Canadians. Before settling on this option, here’s what you’ll need to consider.  06 May

Advantages of Gifting Assets During Your Lifetime: Inter Vivos

This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of how important it is to carefully plan, draft, and update your Will with the help of an experienced advisor. Doing so can prevent misunderstandings and disputes, and ensure that your wishes are truly fulfilled. 28 Apr

Will Interpretation: Alberta Court Decision Serves as Cautionary Tale

Groundbreaking Estate Decisions in 2024 & 2025 23 Apr

Groundbreaking Estate Litigation Decisions

A hotchpot clause is a valuable tool in estate planning. It can be particularly useful for parents who have provided significant financial assistance to one or more children during their lifetime. 10 Mar

Estate Planning Terminology: What is a Hotchpot Clause?

Canadian Estate Law: The Presumption of Resulting Trust 04 Feb

Canadian Estate Law: The Presumption of Resulting Trust

What is the gift tax limit for 2025 and how does it affect IRS gift and estate tax exemptions? This article will explore the impact of the new limits, explain how gift and estate tax exemptions work, and guide you through maximizing your gifting and estate planning potential. 08 Jan

Reassess Your Strategy: Gift & Estate Tax Exemptions in 2025

An inter vivos transfer of property is the transfer of ownership of an asset from one living person to another during their lifetime, without the need for a will. 07 Jan

Inter Vivos Transfer of Property: Key Characteristics & Criteria

Using Joint Accounts & Gifts to Avoid Estate Tax: Tread Carefully! The gifts and estate tax is a tax on any unilateral transfer from one person to another. Joint ownership does not eliminate taxes. 26 Dec

Using Joint Accounts & Gifts to Avoid Estate Tax: Tread Carefully!