Blog
Celebrating
our 10th year
blog anniversary
Blog
Toronto Ontario Estate Law Blog
Shifting Sands: Generational Values and Attitudes Toward Wealth
Generations are shaped by the events, technologies, and cultural shifts of their time. As we usher in the new year, we also welcome the start of a new generational cohort, Generation Beta or Gen Beta—those born between 2025 and 2039. They follow Gen Alpha, who were born between 2010 and
“I Want to Give My Estate to My Dog” – Dispelling Common Estate Planning Myths
Given the absolute importance of ensuring our clients’ final wishes will be properly carried out, and their loved ones properly cared for, estate planning lawyers approach their work with an almost unparalleled level of seriousness and gravity, often leaving very little room for humor to intrude. That is not to
Update: Tax Compliance for Executors and Trustees, plus Key Deadlines
I previously blogged about executors’ tax compliance responsibilities. In the past two plus years since that blog, there have been a number of changes of which executors and trustees should be aware. This blog provides an overview of key tax compliance responsibilities of executors and trustees and highlights some of
Open the Pod Bay Doors: The Future of AI and Probate Applications
While modern artificial intelligence (“AI”) has already proved an immensely useful tool, with IBM’s Watson serving as an early example of a natural language processor able to receive and respond to plain language inquiries in plain language with a high degree of accuracy, it has also proven to have its
How the ‘First Dealings’ Exemption Can Save Your Estate Money on Probate Fees
Probate is the often-dreaded process where an estate trustee receives a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee which confirms their authority to administer the estate. While not mandatory, if there is a will, third-party institutions such as banks or the land registry office, when dealing with real property, typically require
Why Use a Holding Company?
When we consider undertaking the estate planning process, the preparation of a Will to direct and manage the transfer of assets between a person and their beneficiaries is often the primary focus. What is not always considered by many is the role proper estate planning plays in the preservation of
Demystifying Roles and Responsibilities of Fiduciaries
When updating your estate plan, it’s important to consider who will be the key decision-makers on death and on incapacity. Understanding these roles can help you prepare better for your future and make informed decisions about your property and personal care. This blog highlights the responsibilities of fiduciaries in the
How to Plan for Beneficiaries with Disabilities Using RDSPs
Commencing with the introduction of registered retirement savings plans (“RRSPs”) in 1957, registered plans have generally become an integral part of the estate planning process. Although registered plans play an important role in both the financial and estate planning of many Canadians, the tax treatment of such plans can vary
Discretionary Trusts and Family Law Division: 50% of Zero is Still Zero
Courts in common law jurisdictions continue to grapple with how to deal with a spouse’s interest in a discretionary trust when there is a marital breakdown, and whether to include them in property division, and if included, how to value them in dividing family property. There have been shifts by
Poring Over Pour-over Provisions: Caution if Your Will Gifts to an Existing Trust
Typically, we tend to think of the beneficiaries of an estate under a will as being individuals or organizations: family members, friends, and charities. These beneficiaries usually receive their gift outright or through a trust created under the will (i.e., a testamentary trust). However, for those who have created trusts
Download our “Passing Wealth Well” e-brochure
Learn more about:
- Estate planning for High Net Worth
- Cross-border and multijurisdictional matters
- Incapacity planning
- Representative mandates from clients
- And more…