If you have a spouse or partner, and either of you has children from an earlier relationship, your estate needs more thought than a standard will gives it. 07 Aug

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Canada

This guide covers the legal rights of each sibling, the practical options available, what to do when negotiation fails, and how to protect your ownership interest throughout the process. 27 Mar

One Sibling Living in Inherited House: Legal Rights & Practical Options

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

The decision of how to divide inherited property between siblings can be a complex one. In this article, Keystone explores how to divide inherited property between siblings fairly, and common disputes and solutions when inheriting a house with siblings. 12 Sep

Inheriting a House with Siblings: Not as Straightforward as it Seems

Unfortunately, many families fall into common estate mistakes that create unnecessary stress, delays, and financial loss. What seems like a minor oversight today can snowball into major problems tomorrow. 18 Aug

Common Estate Mistakes That Can Lead To Financial Chaos

Not all couples want to be married, but there are some legal benefits that come with a government-recognized union. Unmarried couples should consider the following 9 Estate Planning tips... 11 Jul

Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Couples: United States

Leaving a cherished family home to your children might seem like a loving and generous gesture, but —without proper planning— it can quickly become a source of conflict and stress. 01 Jul

Leaving Property to Multiple Heirs: a Recipe for Family Conflict

This case underscores that when emotional ties to family cottages are not managed by clear legal drafting, even well-intentioned estate plans can result in litigation. 16 Jun

Ontario Court Ruling: Sibling Dispute Over The Family Cottage

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

28 May

Court Rules in Favour of Common-Law Spouse: Intestate Case

In estate planning, the "right of survivorship" refers to a legal principle that, in joint ownership arrangements, the surviving owner(s) automatically inherit the deceased owner's share of the property or asset without it going through the probate process. This is a key feature of joint tenancy, which allows for a smoother and faster transfer of ownership upon death.  27 May

Definitions: Understanding the “Right of Survivorship”

The Pitfalls of Joint Ownership: Know the Risks 22 May

The Pitfalls of Joint Ownership: Know the Risks