Many Canadians dream of buying a property by the sea in Florida or a golf course in Arizona. But what happens at the time of death? Buying a property in the United States takes planning... 10 Feb

Canadian Will & U.S. Property: Avoiding Probate Takes Planning

If you wish to restrict the flow of inherited money to your child, you can do so through your will or trust. While there are legal limits on conditional gifting, you are generally free to structure an inheritance the way you would like. 07 Feb

Bequests with Strings Attached: Are Conditional Gifts a Good Idea?

Family businesses are the backbone of many economies, providing financial stability and long-term wealth for generations. Estate planning ensures a smooth transition of ownership while protecting the business and the family’s financial legacy. 07 Feb

The Role of Estate Planning in Protecting Family Businesses

While creating a legal will is essential for the transfer of wealth, it’s just one part of the process. To be sure your wishes are truly honoured, your financial legacy preserved, and your family is supported, you need a comprehensive estate plan. Moreover, you need to communicate that plan effectively. 06 Feb

Unlocking Your Legacy: Estate Planning Conversations are Critical

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Ontario | Estate planning becomes more intricate when dealing with blended families, particularly when adult children from previous marriages are involved. Careful consideration of both legal obligations and family dynamics is essential. 04 Feb

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Ontario

Courts could use artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up probate, but digitizing documents and training a new AI model is labour intensive. 04 Feb

Could AI Speed Up Uncontested Probate Applications?

Beneficiaries of an estate often want to know how long they should expect to wait to receive their share of the estate. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question, as the timeline can vary considerably depending on the specific circumstances of the estate. 04 Feb

How Long Does an Executor Have to Distribute Funds to Beneficiaries?

Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common | There are three main ways that a homeowner can own a home, and the way title is held dramatically affects their estate and heirs... 04 Feb

Home Ownership: Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common

When you’re no longer capable of making decisions about your health or personal care, someone must make them for you. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care is a legal document that lets someone make these decisions on your behalf. 01 Feb

How to Make a Power of Attorney for Personal Care: Ontario

When Inheritance Divides: The Strain of Sibling Disputes Over Estate Debts 31 Jan

The Strain of Sibling Disputes Over Estate Debts: a Cautionary Tale

The "Marley v Rawlings" case —which concerned attempts to rectify a mistake made by a couple when signing their mirror wills— serves as a reminder of the necessity for attention to detail to avoid estate disputes. 31 Jan

Marley v Rawlings: A Case Study in Clerical Errors & Mirror Wills

When a parent leaves an inheritance as a legacy for their children, the intent is always to secure their future. Statistics tell us that 1-in-3 heirs end up blowing all the money, rather than stewarding it well. 31 Jan

How One Woman Almost Lost a $4M Inheritance