The Interplay between a Will executed outside of Ontario and a subsequent Codicil executed in Ontario

It is not uncommon for a person to execute their last will and testament many years, even decades, before they eventually pass away. It is also not uncommon for a person to move provinces, states, countries, etc. throughout their adult lifetime. In the estates context, that may result in various different scenarios in which related testamentary documents are executed in different jurisdictions. For example, a person may execute a will….

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New Year Reflections On Longevity

Happy New Year 2026

Pausing to reflect on this new year ahead, I’m grateful for this collaborative group of professionals at All About Estates who blog daily on estate planning matters. The purpose of the All About Estates blog is to provide fellow specialists and the general public with information and resources related to our bloggers’ areas of expertise. And as a group, we have a diverse set of experiences to share with our….

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Elder Management, Smart Ageing

Estate Freezes and a Spouse’s ILA

Estate freezes can raise important questions—like whether the freezor’s spouse should seek independent legal advice (“ILA”). This blog unpacks why that recommendation matters. Estate Freeze Consider the following estate freeze, which intentionally is explained in a “bare bones” manner. A spouse (“Freezor”) is exchanging their common shares in a Canadian controlled private corporation (“Family Corp.”) for fixed value preference shares. A new discretionary family trust is settled for the benefit….

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Interest, Separation, Spouse, Succession Planning, Trustee, Trusts

Most-Read All About Estates Articles of 2025

It is well known that Canada is experiencing one of the most significant intergenerational transfer of wealth.  With that comes growing estate planning complexity, a rise in estate litigation, and intensifying concerns about elder management and abuse.  In 2025, five blogs from All About Estates clearly resonated with professionals grappling with these challenges, drawing thousands of readers seeking thoughtful insight and guidance.  The blogs are reposted below. Separately, All About….

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Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Executors, Wills

Holiday Reflections: The Importance of Estate and Incapacity Planning

This blog post was written by Mohena Singh, Associate at Fasken LLP. The holiday season often brings cherished time full of gift exchanges, gatherings with family, and a break from work. Amid the festivities, it’s also an opportune moment to discuss estate and incapacity planning – a topic that, while rarely broached at the dinner table, is vital for protecting your family’s future. The cautionary tale of Vaccaro v. Vaccaro….

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Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Wills

Family Money Messages

My friend Aneil Gokhale, Director of Philanthropy at the Toronto Foundation, has a talent for facilitating discussions about money.  What messages do we inherit and how do they inform our inclination for, and approach to, giving?  These messages are the software that influence future behaviour, including openness to giving to charity, during life and at death. Ingrained messages In every session that Aneil leads, he coaxes out deeply ingrained messages….

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Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized
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