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

Baby boomers are set to give a staggering $124 trillion through 2048 to heirs, according to market researcher Cerulli Advisors in a 2024 report. But are the next generations prepared to accept it or will they become “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations”? 18 Sep

Is the Inheriting Generation Prepared for “The Great Wealth Transfer”?

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!

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

Without proper planning, your pets could end up in shelters or with people who aren’t prepared to care for them properly. Taking time now to make these arrangements ensures your faithful companions will be loved and cared for throughout their lives. 09 Sep

Choosing the Right Caregiver for Your Furry Family Members

A years-long succession battle within Rupert Murdoch's conservative media empire has drawn to a close, with his son Lachlan set to control the news group. The deal ends all litigation over the family's trust. 09 Sep

Deal Reached in Long Succession Battle Over Murdoch Media Empire

A "letter of wishes" can also be known as a memorandum of wishes, a precatory memorandum, an expression of wishes, or a letter of intent. It serves as a non-binding document to provide guidance to executors and trustees regarding the administration of an estate or trust.  02 Sep

Letter of Wishes: Common Synonyms & Primary Use Cases

Planning ahead to lower the value of what you leave behind, so "less is taxed"— Estate tax can be reduced using a variety of legitimate estate planning techniques... 29 Aug

Planning Techniques: 10 Common Ways To Reduce Estate Taxes

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision, from 1991, established principles for proving undue influence in trust cases: the Geffen v. Goodman family and trust estate dispute... 28 Aug

Landmark Supreme Court of Canada Decision: Undue Influence

While a letter of wishes is not legally binding, it can still serve as a useful tool and an added “personal touch” to an estate plan, offering clarity on decisions, ensuring wishes are understood and guiding those involved in the administration of the estate. 22 Aug

The Letter of Wishes: A Personal Touch to Your Estate Plan