The Golden Girl’s Estate

Betty White was one of those rare celebrities that everyone loved. Working in the estate industry, we can’t help but talk about the wills of the rich and famous. You would be surprised to know about the planning considerations that have come up with Betty’s estimated $75 million dollar estate. Golden girl? More like multi-platinum…. One of Betty’s greatest legacies is helping animals through advocacy, volunteering and making generous donations…..

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In the News

Passing of Accounts when the Grantor is Presumed Capable

In Winkler v. Thompson, the court considered whether a niece who held a power of attorney for property for her uncle (the “Deceased”) but insisted that she never acted in a fiduciary capacity for the Deceased should have to pass her accounts. The Deceased was survived by his estranged spouse (“Ilse”) and his niece (“Crystal”). Crystal agreed to pass her accounts when requested to by Ilse. Crystal, who held a….

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Passing Of Trustees’ and Executors’ Accounts, Power of Attorney

OAS Planning

The Old Age Security (“OAS”) pension is a monthly payment you can get if you are 65 years of age or older. In many cases, Service Canada will automatically enroll you in the year prior to your 65th birthday. To the occasional surprise of some folks, the receipt of OAS is subject to a claw back if “adjusted” income exceeds a certain threshold ( approximately $78,800 for 2021 income year)….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Estate Planning, Investments, Loans, Tax Issues, Trusts, Uncategorized

Reflections …. And Resolutions

As the calendar flips into 2022, I am sure many of us will be thinking – where did 2021 go? Without an active social life to distract me, why are my own affairs not in order? And, of course, what are my New Year’s resolutions for 2022? The end of the year is typically a time when people reflect – on family relationships, friend relationships, the 2021 resolutions that did….

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Estate Planning, Uncategorized

Don’t Assume You Can Access Your Money

Litigation can be expensive. At the forefront of the minds of many parties is the question of how to pay the legal costs. Sometimes the money that a party needs (or wants) to access in order to pay for the litigation is at the centre of the dispute. This can be the case in estate litigation when there is a question of who owns an asset, such as multiple beneficiaries….

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Costs, Courts, Fiduciary Professions

My Annual Holiday Estates Jingle

I started this holiday jingle in 2011; I have added new stanzas each year. I hope you enjoy it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ T’was the fight before Christmas, when all families know, It’s better to forgive than tell them to F. O., Mom probably liked you better, if memory serves, So while I am a P.O.A., she will get what she deserves Come on siblings and get off your butts, I need alittle help,….

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Caregiving
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