All About Estates

Month: January 2019

Total 22 Posts

How to create a legacy

Lyndsay Green’s new book on legacy, The Well-Lived Life, sets itself an ambitious goal. Its subtitle is “Live with Purpose and be Remembered”. Mixing stories, philosophy and practical tips on estate planning and philanthropy this readable book makes a bold promise. Creating a legacy is hardly a new goal, and each…

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Sham(e) on You!

McGoey (Re), 2019 ONSC 80 (CanLII) is a fun case which reminds readers of the law surrounding sham trusts, but also demonstrates that the most convincing evidence can sometimes be found right on the (type)face of a document, the validity of which is in issue. In this motion, the trustee…

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Another Resolution for the New Year – Take Advantage of the Low Prescribed Rate

We have talked about income splitting arrangements available to individuals who wish to loan funds to his/her lower income spouse or adult child, or in the case of minor children, a discretionary family trust. Such loans would be used to invest in income producing properties such marketable securities, mutual funds,…

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Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities ( NORC)

Many of us have questions/concerns about where we will live, when we are no longer able to remain in our homes and this seems to be a topic discussed regularly. I am sure over the holidays there were many similar sounding conversations had with friends either talking about their parent(s)…

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How to Effectively use Trusts in Estate Planning for Blended Families

How to Effectively use Trusts in Estate Planning for Blended Families[1] You may recall I previously blogged about Common Pitfalls in Estate Planning for Blended Families. In this blog post, I will discuss considerations when using trusts in estate planning for blended families. Trusts are a useful tool in the…

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Time to Update Your General Power of Attorney for Property

This blog was written by Sally Lee, LLB – Estate and Trust Consultant with Scotia Wealth Management.  Some readers may ask the question, what’s the difference between a General Power of Attorney for Property (“GPOAP”) versus a Continuing or Enduring Power of Attorney for Property (“CPOAP”)?  To be completely honest,…

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Whose Land Is It Anyways? Friends of Toronto Public Cemeteries v. Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries

In a recent decision that pitted a Toronto citizens’ group against cemetery operators, Justice Dunphy found that the cemeteries were publically owned, required public oversight, and were operating beyond the terms of the trust that govern the cemeteries. In 1826, a group sought to buy land to create a non-denominational…

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Trust Filing Deadlines and Penalties

With a new year is upon us it is important to keep in mind the various filing deadlines for trusts and estates (a trust). Generally, a trust has to file an annual income tax and information return (T3) if the trust earns income or makes annual distributions. The T3 along…

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The ‘D’ word we don’t talk about- enough

Delirium: At this time of year many of us, regardless of age, can get the flu. Unfortunately for seniors, the flu can be particularly dangerous- for a number of reasons – Pneumonia – Dehydration – Greater falls risk with weakness – Body weakness and – Delirium- the topic of today’s…

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Coming to an Estates Court Near You?

When one year ends and a new one begins, it is common to look ahead and make predictions about what may be in store in the coming year. In that vein, the decision of Del Frate J. in S.H. v D.H., ONSC 4506, caught my eye. Although the decision is…

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