Building a multi-million dollar estate takes decades of vision, sacrifice, and relentless hard work. Here are the harsh realities of leaving that wealth completely unprotected and why establishing a wealth preservation strategy must be your top priority. 04 Mar

Harsh Realities of Leaving 7-Figure Wealth Completely Unprotected

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

The probate process can vary significantly from one state to another, reflecting local laws, customs, and practices. Here is a quick guide to understanding state-specific probate laws and procedures... 25 Oct

Does The Probate Process Vary from State-to-State?

Homemade wills can create confusion, delay and heartbreak for the very people you’re trying to protect. A will is one of the most important legal documents a person will ever sign. Spending an hour with an estate lawyer is not a luxury — it’s a safeguard against the horrors of homemade wills. 21 Oct

Cautionary Tales of DIY Gone Awry: The Horrors of Homemade Wills

Your estate plan is your final gift to your family. It’s an opportunity to show your love and care in a lasting way. By pairing open conversations with strong legal planning, you can feel confident that your legacy will be one of harmony and understanding, not conflict. 22 Sep

Preventing Family Fights Over Inheritance: Alberta

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

The stakes are higher than most people realize. Without proper estate planning, your family could lose thousands of dollars to unnecessary taxes, face months of legal delays, and endure family conflicts that could have been easily prevented. 28 Jul

Complete Guide to Protecting Your Family: Estate Planning Ontario

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is overwhelming, and the complexity of probate court can add to the stress. Clear communication about fee responsibility allows families to focus on honoring their loved one’s wishes... 26 Jul

Probate Attorney Fees: Who Covers These Costs?

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers significant benefits in probate matters, including reduced costs, faster resolution times, and preservation of family relationships. ADR methods like mediation and arbitration allow for confidential, flexible, and often more amicable resolutions compared to traditional litigation.  25 Jul

Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Probate

The things that matter most aren’t always in a bank account— "The $2 Million Lawsuit That Started Over Grandma’s Lasagna Recipe"... 24 Jul

Siblings Battle Over Rights to Grandma’s Lasagna Recipe

Inspired by recent research on inheritance family feuds, here’s how to protect your family from the devastating conflicts that tear families apart after a loved one’s passing... 10 Jul

Family Feuds Over Inheritance: Causes & Conflict Prevention