November 2019

Secret and Semi-Secret Trusts: An Unusual Approach to Testamentary Dispositions – Part I

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Guest written by Giancarlo Mignardi, Student-at-Law at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP When we think about testamentary gifts, we typically think of outright gifts, and testamentary trusts, both of which are typically set out in the terms of a Will. However, there is another, lesser-known option: the secret (and semi-secret) trust. This week and next, I’ll explore the use of secret and semi-secret trusts––what they are, how they have been historically….

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Trusts

Fiduciary Investing Series – How to avoid compounding liability in trust accounts

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This blog has been written by Robert Boyd, Director, Scotiatrust. The blog is the first in a series focusing on Fiduciary Investing that will cover a range of practical topics. When one approaches the topic of fiduciary record keeping, there is room for forgiveness for those who tune out (or nod off). It’s not a topic that gets people excited, although the litigation that can occur from incorrect management of….

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Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Executors, Liability

Meeting the Will Challenge Threshold

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Today’s blog was written by Christina Papadopoulos, an articling student with de VRIES LITIGATION LLP. What is the minimum level of evidence to be met before a court allows a will challenge to proceed? The recent Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision in Naismith v. Clarke, 2019 ONSC 5280 (“Naismith”) sets out a useful overview for the circumstances under which a court may allow a will challenge to move forward…..

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Contested wills, Estate Litigation, Testamentary Capacity, Wills

Inadequate Execution of a Will led to Court Dispute

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In Bayford v. Boese 2019 ONSC 5663 the deceased Mr. Boese was the sole owner of a farm in Eastern Ontario he inherited from his parents. He never married and had no children. For two decades prior to his death, Mr. Boese was assisted in the operation of the farm by his friend, Ms. Bayford. Under a will made by Mr. Boese two years earlier, the farm property was to….

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Contested wills, Credibility, Estate Administration, Estate Administration and Probate Applications, Estate Litigation, Executors, Family Conflict, Power of Attorney, Uncategorized, Wills

What is the deadliest room in the house?

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November is still Falls Prevention Month.  With the rude awakening of last week’s snow and the icy walk I had today with Ziggy, I thought I would share a previous post. Seniors account for over 40 percent of people hospitalized for injuries. At least half will experience minor injuries and 5 to 25 percent will experience a serious injury (i.e. fracture). After a fall, 40 percent of people are ultimately….

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Caregiving

A New Way to Plan for Death

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Today’s blog is being brought to you by guest blogger, Jennifer Campbell, a law clerk in the Private Client Services group of Fasken LLP. I recently came across an article talking about death doulas. Yes, you read right, death doulas. While I’ve heard of doulas helping pregnant women come up with and execute a birthing plan, a death doula was something I had not heard of before. “Doula” is the….

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Capacity Law, Caregiving, Family Conflict, Medical Assistance in Dying
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