When a beneficiary refuses to cooperate during estate administration, it can delay the entire process and create significant problems for everyone involved. 22 Jan

Uncooperative Beneficiaries: Impact on Estate Administration

Death and Taxes: In Canada, these two certainties collide in a particularly expensive way. Understand —and plan for— "deemed disposition"… before it's too late. 09 Dec

Understand & Plan For Deemed Disposition Before It’s Too Late

This podcast episode —"Probate and Inherited Mineral Rights: Requirements and Alternatives"— explores the often-confusing process of transferring mineral rights when someone passes away. 04 Dec

Unique Legacy Assets: Transferring & Inheriting Mineral Rights

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

Can concerned parties use outdated documents as a justification to contest a will? Egregious oversights could raise questions. If the testator failed to update their will for decades, there could be questions about its validity. 16 Nov

Is an Outdated Will Justification for Probate Litigation?

05 Nov

Understanding the Rights of Beneficiaries in Estate Litigation

A multijurisdictional approach uses one document, whereas a cross-jurisdictional approach uses multiple, separate documents. Both require specialized legal advice to navigate differences in foreign laws, such as forced heirship rules, and to ensure wishes are carried out effectively.  03 Nov

Multi-Jurisdictional vs Cross-Jurisdictional Estate Planning

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?

To determine whether the photocopy could be admitted, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice applied the "four-part legal test for admitting a lost will" and found that all four criteria were satisfied... 20 Oct

Ontario Court Ruling: Photocopy of Lost Will Deemed Admissible

This guide, by Ontario Wealth Strategy Experts, covers several strategies that can help manage potential tax exposure. Learn how Ontario's tax-on-death rules fit into your planning, and what steps you can take now to make sure your heirs keep more of what you've built. 15 Oct

Strategies for Managing Potential Tax Exposure in Ontario

While Canada’s tax system doesn’t impose a traditional inheritance tax, estate taxes through capital gains, final income returns, and probate fees can still shrink inheritances dramatically. By leveraging these strategies, you can pass down more of your hard-earned wealth. 09 Oct

Tax-Smart Inheritance Strategies for Canadians

Navigating international probate involves complex laws, tax issues, and cross-border estate challenges. Here is what families and heirs need to know... 23 Sep

Frequently Asked Questions About International Probate