An estate trustee is required to act impartially between all the beneficiaries and to not favor one or more beneficiaries over others. This is colloquially described as the duty to ‘maintain an even hand’. 19 Sep

Treating Beneficiaries Equally: The “Even-Hand Rule”

While a trust can be an effective way to manage and transfer ownership of the family cottage, it requires careful planning to get it right. 19 Sep

Trust Planning for The Family Cottage: Key Considerations

Estate planners have a variety of techniques and tools that can be employed to protect beneficiaries from themselves. Learn more about how to prevent heirs from squandering their inheritances... 18 Sep

How Estate Plans Prevent Heirs From Squandering Inheritances

Estate planning is full of jargon and look-alike terms that can trip people up. A few small words can make a big difference. Here’s a Plain-English Guide to The Most Commonly Confused Estate Planning Terms... And What They Really Mean! 17 Sep

Commonly Confused Estate Planning Terms: Florida Law

Do not leave the final chapter of your story to chance or to others. Your estate plan is not merely legal paperwork. It is your personal declaration: "My family will not be left vulnerable. My legacy will endure." 15 Sep

The Cost of Unpreparedness: Take Command of Your Story!

The decision of how to divide inherited property between siblings can be a complex one. In this article, Keystone explores how to divide inherited property between siblings fairly, and common disputes and solutions when inheriting a house with siblings. 12 Sep

Inheriting a House with Siblings: Not as Straightforward as it Seems

Neutral Ground in Family Storms: How the appointment of a professional estate executor can help families navigate turbulent waters. 12 Sep

Reasons for Appointing a Neutral Professional in The Role of Executor

The right planning can ensure you pass down your home without your kids facing large tax liabilities. Here's a simple guide to how it works... 10 Sep

How to Leave Property to Your Kids Tax-Free

With the right strategy in place, you can celebrate your role as a grandparent by creating an enduring, tax-efficient legacy. Learm more about the Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) tax and how to protect your family’s legacy. 10 Sep

Legacy Planning: The Generation-Skipping Transfer (GST) Tax

Recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision provides an important lesson to farming families and their professional advisors: good intentions and family loyalty, while laudable, are no substitute for clear, enforceable agreements. 05 Sep

Court Decision: Important Lesson for Ontario Farming Families

Life Insurance is more than just a safety net. It’s a strategic tool. Learn how life insurance is not just about risk— it’s about opportunity... in this in-depth guide to understanding the different types of Life Insurance for Estate Planning in Canada. 05 Sep

Understanding The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning

It is important to clearly document and communicate intentions when making either a loan or a gift to a family member. Sometimes we assume a verbal agreement is sufficient but having clear written documentation removes uncertainty and mitigates the risk of disputes arising after the fact. 05 Sep

A Family Feud Unwrapped in Court: Gifts vs Loans