Settling a loved one's digital life requires understanding legal roles and provider policies. Every company follows its own specific rules and privacy policies. Learn the process for managing digital accounts and how planning can simplify it. 31 Jan

The Legal Steps Involved in Settling a Loved One’s Digital Life

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

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?

This article explains exactly what a letter of wishes is, why you need one, what to include, and how to write one that truly reflects your intentions. 04 Nov

How & Why To Write a Letter of Wishes: UK Guide

As digital wealth continues to grow, these assets will increasingly appear in estate files. Understanding how to value and administer them will be essential. Markets change, assumptions fail, and good planning remains the best defence. 30 Oct

Valuing Digital Assets: Lessons from the World of Online Gaming

When someone dies owing more money than their estate contains, the situation becomes an insolvent estate. Understanding the laws governing insolvent estates is crucial for anyone appointed as an estate trustee. 23 Oct

Complete Guide to Understanding Insolvent Estates in Ontario

In a perfect world, trustees would never abuse their position for personal gain, but it is an unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence. Learn more in this "Ultimate Guide to Trustee Malfeasance"... 23 Oct

Ultimate Guide to Understanding “Trustee Malfeasance”

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

A spousal trust can be very beneficial for your family’s financial future. But the execution of such a trust requires careful consideration and planning as trustees must balance the current needs of the surviving spouse with the future inheritance of the heirs. 06 Oct

Spousal Trusts: Selecting the Right Trustee

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”