B.I.G. Probate Law
By Berel Goldberg
January 8th, 2026
When a child under 18 is set to inherit money or property in Ontario, the law does not allow them to receive it directly. This creates a challenge for parents and estate trustees who must ensure the inheritance is managed until the child becomes an adult.
In Ontario, a trustee must be appointed to hold and manage assets on behalf of a minor beneficiary. The law provides specific options for how this arrangement can be set up.
The role of trustee for a minor beneficiary comes with important legal responsibilities.
A trustee for a minor beneficiary in Ontario has specific legal duties and powers. These rules govern how assets are managed until the child turns 18. The Trustee Act and related estate laws set standards for handling trusts for minor children. Requirements include managing the trust account and making distributions according to the law. You need to understand how Ontario law governs these situations and what your options are. Different approaches can affect costs and access to funds. The rules also depend on the amount of the inheritance and whether estate planning was done before death.
