Today’s blog was written by Courtney Lanthier, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP. People in our profession often cringe when they hear the words “they died without a Will”, because as soon as we do, we can almost always envision problems arising. Unfortunately, it has become more and more common to hear that someone doesn’t have a Will. A Will provides clear instructions as to how to handle assets on someone’s….
Intestacy 101 Continue Reading »
Estate AdministrationThis Blog was written by: Kristie Smith, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotia Wealth Management Last week marked the 104th anniversary of death of Saginaw, Michigan lumber baron – and, evidently, eccentric millionaire – Wellington Burt, but only the 12th anniversary of the settlement and distribution of his estate. His is a story of second families, family feuds, philanthropy, spite, legal challenges. His story is chronicled in some detail in various….
The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg Continue Reading »
UncategorizedIn J.N. v. C.G., 2023 ONCA 77, the Court of Appeal for Ontario considered whether information from the internet was admissible in Court and reliable as expert evidence. Facts: The appellant father and respondent mother were married for almost seven years before separating. They had three children. The oldest child lived with the father while the younger two, ages 10 and 12, lived with the mother. The only issue the parties….
Can Information from the Internet Be Used As Evidence in Court? Continue Reading »
UncategorizedMedicine can do many things but at the end of life what matters most is not necessarily treatment but making peace with yourself on your terms. Atul Gawande, Being Mortal. Advanced care planning is an evolving process where individuals outline their wishes regarding their care and medical decision-making based on their values and beliefs when their voice is silent due to incapacity. A few years ago, I participated in a….
This blog has been written by Sandra Arsenault, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP Picture this: you are an executor cleaning out your mother’s apartment. Under the bed you unexpectedly find five (5) handguns and a hand grenade. Do you (a) call the police, (b) secure the items somewhere safe until you can find someone who knows what to do with them, or (c) put them in a plastic shopping bag….
Atypical Asset Administration (Part 1) Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Executors, WillsThis blog was written by: Craig Coulson, Senior Trust Officer Many professional estate administrators emphasize the emotional toll and time-consuming steps that are reduced or eliminated when a corporate executor is named in one’s will. Sometimes, beneficiaries may be unhappy with corporate executor fees, perhaps thinking if only they were appointed, they would save the estate the cost of administration. What is not frequently mentioned is how the appointment of….
Professional Advice is Key: Part 2 Pipeline Planning Continue Reading »
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