Tracy Parkinson

After 4 years as a law clerk in the Fasken’s Private Client Service Group and Trust, Wills, Estates and Charities Group, I am changing tracks and joining TD Wealth as an Executive Trust Officer. While at Fasken I had the pleasure of working on many interesting and challenging matters along side some amazing people, so today, my last day, writing my final All About Estates Blog (“AAEB”) feels bitter sweet…..

Generally speaking, real property (“property”) is often not specifically dealt with in a Will and therefore, it forms part of the residue of an estate.  In this case, the executor is generally required to sell the property for cash as soon as possible, but this may not be the best strategy and other options should be considered. First things first, occasionally a client’s recollection is imperfect, so confirming how legal….

I recently had a discussion about pour over clauses which sparked my curiosity!  After some research I considered in what estate planning context this tool might be used and, as with everything, the pros and cons. In the United States, where pour over clauses appear to be used more commonly, where they are part of an estate “back-up” plan whereby a person establishes an inter vivos trust (“trust”) intended to….

A question that I have heard asked a few times recently is: How would Medical Assistance in Dying (“MAID”) affect my life insurance policy?  It’s an interesting question and certainly something that should be considered in the context of estate planning where the proceeds of a life insurance policy play a significant role in the estate plan and the client has a medical condition where MAID may become a possibility…..