Even in provinces that allow holographic (handwritten) Wills, a do-it-yourself solution can pose a greater risk of costly disputes and delays. 25 Mar

Are Handwritten Wills Legally Valid Across Canada?

Estate litigation lawyers across Canada are seeing a steady increase in undue influence estate disputes. Families are more frequently questioning whether a will truly reflects a loved one’s wishes or whether someone exerted pressure behind the scenes. 23 Mar

Steady Increase in Undue Influence Estate Disputes in Canada

While courts are generally reluctant to interfere with a testator’s choice of estate trustee, that choice will be overridden where it is necessary to ensure the proper, efficient, and impartial administration of the estate. 23 Mar

Feuding Siblings Replaced By Neutral Third-Party Estate Trustee

When valid, no contest clauses can be a powerful tool for discouraging estate litigation. Typically, these clauses threaten to disinherit beneficiaries who challenge the validity of the testator’s final will... 18 Mar

Can a Beneficiary Be Disinherited Over a Successful Litigation?

Estate law remains deeply jurisdiction-specific. How the law will recognize family relationships can easily differ across provincial lines. If you intend for someone to benefit from your estate, that intention must be expressed clearly. 13 Mar

Jurisdiction Matters: What Makes You a ‘Child’ in an Estate?

Dealing with the GSTT can be complex and confusing. With proper planning, the GST exemption provides opportunities to reduce or potentially eliminate the transfer taxes associated with gifting or passing money to younger generations. 12 Mar

Understanding The Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT)

If you have minor children, not having a Will in Quebec is not just unfortunate— it's a failure of planning: a recurring and avoidable mess. 12 Mar

Québec: Why You Need a Will to Protect Your Minor Children

Family inheritance disputes carry the risk of creating permanent rifts among relatives. With timely legal intervention, family conflicts over inheritance can be effectively managed and resolved without causing irreparable damage to relationships. 11 Mar

Resolving Family Inheritance Disputes: Tips & Guidance

It’s a common misconception that debt disappears when someone dies — but this isn’t usually the case, especially when inheriting a house with debt. While you may not be personally responsible for a decedent’s loans, the debt must still be addressed, or the house risks foreclosure. 11 Mar

Inheriting a House with Debt: Understanding Your Options

Family Business Succession: Entrepreneurs can plan for future generational transitions by implementing a corporation governance framework. 10 Mar

Family Business: Planning for Future Generational Transitions

"Some businesses remain in the family. Others do not. Business owners might muse about succession within the family unit. However, musings do not always give rise to enforceable promises." 04 Mar

Succession Planning for a Family Business Can Be Tricky

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