March 2026

Estate Planning Considerations for Professional Athletes: Protecting Wealth Beyond the Game

Scotiatrust

Yash Chavda, Articling Student, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP A career in professional sports can be incredibly lucrative, but those earnings are typically concentrated into a short window, with most athletes reaching their peak earning years in their twenties and early thirties. During this period, athletes may sign major contracts, secure sponsorships, and build large personal brands. At the same time, they must navigate uncertainty, frequent relocation, and shifting financial circumstances…..

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Estate Planning, Wills

What Makes You a ‘Child’ in an Estate? A BC Case and the Ontario Contrast

This blog was written by Jessica J. Butler, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP  A recent British Columbia decision[1] has revisited a deceptively simple question in estate law: what does it mean to be a “child” of a deceased person?[2] The case involved a claim brought by a woman against the estate of the deceased under section 60 of British Columbia’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act (“WESA”). These claims are commonly….

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Dependant Support, Estate Litigation, Family Conflict, Uncategorized

Dying Without a Will in Québec: A Masterclass in Making Life Harder for your Minor Heirs

Scotiatrust

This blog post was written by: Ophely Karam, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotiatrust Montreal   There are many ways to complicate your loved ones’ lives after your death. Dying intestate in Québec when you have minor children is one of the most efficient. From the outside, legal devolution under the Civil Code of Québec (“CCQ”) looks orderly, even comforting, as it establishes clear rules, predictable outcomes, and a legislated safety….

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Estate Planning, Wills

Security for Costs on Appeal: A Cautionary Tale

On October 20, 2025, a single judge of the Court of Appeal for Ontario made an Order requiring an appellant to post security for costs of her appeal in the amount of $50,000. On March 5, 2026, the appellant brought a motion under s.7(5) of the Court of Justice Act, asking a panel of the Court of Appeal to set aside the order for security for costs. The motion was dismissed, with Reasons for….

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Appeals

Succession of the Family Business – Don’t Overlook Governance

Successful entrepreneurs often view the family business as the crown jewel to their legacy for the next generation(s). As such, succession planning for the family business and preserving the family’s wealth is always a top priority and often encompasses tax and estate planning. Implementing a succession plan that will ensure the continuation of the family business while preserving the family’s wealth can be challenging for professional advisors who are assisting….

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Business Succession Planning, Estate Planning, Family Conflict

Estate Trustee Compensation

Scotiatrust

Taking on the role of an estate trustee can be a difficult one. The tasks typically involve gathering in and managing assets, determining liabilities, and moving the administration of an estate forward until it is time to distribute the net assets to the beneficiaries. While there is a general principle that an estate should be wrapped up within 1 year (also known as the “executor’s year”), completing the administration of….

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Compensation, Courts, Estate Administration, Estate Administration and Probate Applications, Estate Litigation, Trustee, Trustee Compensation
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