The Government of Canada has published a useful online guide explaining the tax responsibilities of legal representatives for the estates of deceased individuals. This guide sets out a 4-stage process... 15 Mar

Tax Responsibilities of Legal Representatives of Estates: Canada

Balancing fairness with religious and cultural customs in estates— The law requires equality between men and women. Following tradition may not stand up in court... 09 Mar

Balancing Cultural Tradition and Estate Law in BC

If you don’t select an executor or trustee for your estate, or if the person you named refuses to act in that role, then someone may apply to the court to be appointed as an administrator of your estate. 20 Jan

British Columbia: What Happens If You Don’t Appoint an Executor?

During this highly stressful and overwhelming time, it is important to remember that financial well-being can be critical to your path to mental wellness. These five steps are a good place to start... 11 Jan

Financial Well-Being: Coping with Debt After Losing Your Spouse

Here are nine things to do – and not do – when selecting guardians for a minor child or children. 04 Jan

Choosing a Guardian for a Minor Child: 9 Important Considerations

By approaching estate planning with openness and involving your family in the conversation, you create a legacy of love, respect, and financial security that extends beyond your lifetime. 20 Jun

What & When Should You Tell Your Children About Their Inheritance?

A substitute decision-maker is a designated person authorized to make decisions on behalf of a patient who is unable to make important decisions about their own personal care. 13 May

Understanding the Role of Substitute Decision-Maker in Ontario

Executors have a duty to notify beneficiaries of their entitlement under an estate, but what happens if a beneficiary can’t be easily identified or found? 14 Mar

Missing Beneficiaries: What Executors Need to Know

Executors are often surprised by how long their newly accepted “job” will be. Beneficiaries are equally surprised to hear how long it might take before they start seeing estate funds come their way. How long does it take to administer an estate? 03 Aug

How Long Should it Take to Administer an Estate?

You must evaluate your reasoning if you disagree with an estate executor in Ontario. Personal disputes do not qualify for legal intervention and should be solved through communication instead. 02 Jul

What If I Disagree With an Estate Executor in Ontario?

Your plans for the future are a big deal— so much so that you shouldn’t trust just anyone to prepare them for you. Here's how to interview an Estate Planning Attorney... 15 Mar

How to Interview an Estate Planning Attorney

A contingent beneficiary can receive insurance proceeds, an inheritance, or retirement assets when the primary beneficiary is deceased, missing, or refuses to claim them at the time the account becomes due. 18 Jun

Do Contingent Beneficiaries Have Any Legal Rights?