When a beneficiary refuses to cooperate during estate administration, it can delay the entire process and create significant problems for everyone involved. 22 Jan

Uncooperative Beneficiaries: Impact on Estate Administration

What if a corporation held legal control over your entire life — and nobody told you? That is the actual premise of The Truman Show. The 82 Toothpicks Podcast sat down with this 1998 Jim Carrey classic and found it packed with estate planning questions. 16 Jan

Estate Planning Lessons from The Truman Show

This article explains the legal framework for inheritances for minors in Ontario. It covers management options, practical considerations, and key steps for protecting a minor beneficiary's interests... 08 Jan

Understanding & Managing Inheritance for Minors in Ontario

Trust distributions fall into two categories, and the difference is significant. Mandatory distributions versus discretionary distributions: the difference the trust document makes... 10 Nov

Trust Distributions: Mandatory vs Discretionary

It is generally unreasonable to expect an executor to work for free, or for less than the standard rate, given the considerable amount of work involved. For potential executors, clarity about compensation helps them make informed decisions about accepting the role. 04 Nov

Is it Reasonable for an Executor to Expect Compensation?

Trustees are legally obligated to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries. Aligning the trustee’s responsibilities with the best interests of the beneficiaries is a core principle of trust law. 21 Oct

Understanding the Basic Rights of Trust Beneficiaries

Being an executor is an important job and frankly, some people are going to be better at it than others. Avoid making a big mistake by heeding this advice from Patrick O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of Executor.org 03 Oct

Warning Signs That You’re Choosing The Wrong Executor

One of the biggest estate planning mistakes you can make is failing to have Health and Financial Powers of Attorney. Protect your wishes. Select someone you trust implicitly to manage your affairs and make personal decisions on your behalf.  30 Sep

Why Powers of Attorney (POAs) are Crucial

Relocating to a new province or country can have significant legal implications for your estate plan. This article explores when and why you may need to update your will after a move, along with key considerations for cross-jurisdictional estate planning. 26 Sep

Can Moving Affect the Validity & Effectiveness of Your Will?

In What Circumstances Can an Attorney for Personal Care Restrict Visitors from Visiting an Incapacitated Person in a Long-Term Care Home? 23 Sep

Can a Power of Attorney for Personal Care Restrict Visits?

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”

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