If you are a trust beneficiary in California, the law stands behind you. You have specific, enforceable rights that a trustee cannot ignore, sidestep, or delay. If your trustee has treated you unfairly, here's what you need to know... 02 Apr

Your Rights as a Trust Beneficiary in California

It seems that traditional approaches and societal norms are underpinning the practice of the daughter being given the caregiver role and the son looking after finances and property, even though their skills and abilities may not match those roles. 30 Mar

Designating POA Responsibilities: Is Gender Playing a Role?

Inheriting farmland doesn’t require moving back to the farm. With the right planning, Canadians can keep farm assets in the family and potentially preserve valuable tax breaks for future generations. 30 Mar

Urban Heirs, Rural Assets: Inheriting Farmland in Canada

Over 6 million Canadians aged 15 and older identifies having one or more disabilities. Today, we're talking about estate planning for disabled beneficiaries in British Columbia. 26 Mar

How to Safeguard Your Disabled Loved Ones in Your Estate Plan

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