In a recent letter, the CRA was asked whether a testamentary spousal trust could qualify as the graduated rate estate where the spousal trust is comprised of the deceased’s entire estate. ….
MORE GUIDANCE ON GRADUATED RATE ESTATES Continue Reading »
Estate Planning“How many shall die and how many shall be born
Who shall live and who shall die
Who at the measure of days and who before
Who by fire and who by water
Who by the sword and who by wild beast”….
Prayer and Hope for Another Year Continue Reading »
Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Funeral PlanningIf you were looking at the sky last night you would have seen the moon at its closest point to Earth. This is something apparently that happens every couple of decades with the last time this happened over 30 years ago. Before it turned red it was impressive with the moon so close how the darker shades of ridges on the surface were clearly visible to the naked eye. The….
Animal Rights and The Cycle of the Moon Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, Guardianship, WillsThe announcement in the 2015 Federal Budget that capital gains would be eliminated on donations involving private company shares and real estate was short on detail. As a result the measure, which would be effective beginning 2017, was not passed by Parliament. In mid-summer, the Department of Finance released the technical details and invited public comment. Feedback is due on September 30, 2015. The Federal election makes the future of….
Donations involving Private Company Shares & Real Estate Continue Reading »
Charitable Giving, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable GivingThe British Columbia Court of Appeal released its decision in Bentley v. Maplewood Seniors Care Society earlier this year. The closely watched case involved a late-stage Alzheimer’s patient who was supposedly consenting to being fed by opening her mouth when a spoon or glass was placed on her lower lip. The case raises difficult questions about the extent to which people with advanced Alzheimer’s can consent to decisions about food at the end….
Can Alzheimer’s Patients Consent to Care Without Speaking? Continue Reading »
Capacity Law, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Litigation, Geriatric Care Management, In the News