Estate Donations of Art

[caption id="attachment_21746" align="aligncenter" width="666"] Decisions, Decisions, Charles Pachter (Courtesy of Heffel Auctions)[/caption] Fine art is an asset class of growing importance among the affluent and is beginning to be a significant part of select estate plans.   A recent estimate pegged the international art market at US$57.5 billion in 2024 (a 12% decline from 2023)  and Canada has seen some record prices at auction.   Many collectors are contemplating donating their art….

Estate Donations of Art Continue Reading »

Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

Farm Succession – The Numbers Are Telling

At least once in your life you’ll need a doctor, a lawyer and a preacher. But every day, three times a day, you need a farmer (Brenda Schoepp). Farming plays a pivotal role in our economy as it fulfills our basic daily necessities and it is in everyone’s interest that our Canadian farms continue to prosper in the future. According to the Statistics Canada 2021 Census of Agriculture (the “Census”)[1] There….

Farm Succession – The Numbers Are Telling Continue Reading »

Business Succession Planning, Family Conflict

Young, Married, and Prepared: A First Experience with Wills and POAs

As we head into Thanksgiving weekend, I am sharing a guest post written by my son. Earlier this year, he and his partner celebrated a beautiful wedding surrounded by family and friends. Like many life milestones, it prompted some important conversations about their future together, including what would happen if something unexpected occurred. In this post, he shares his experience with estate planning as a newlywed, and the process of….

Young, Married, and Prepared: A First Experience with Wills and POAs Continue Reading »

Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Spouse, Wills

Picking The Right Power of Attorney: The Cautionary Tale of Jack Johnson

Scotiatrust

This blog post was written by: Taylor Sergeant, Associate Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotiatrust Ottawa When it comes to estate planning, few decisions carry as much weight as selecting your Power of Attorney (POA). This person will have the legal authority to make financial or personal decisions on your behalf. Unfortunately, NHL defenseman Jack Johnson learned this lesson the hard way. The Jack Johnson Case: A Cautionary Tale Jack Johnson,….

Picking The Right Power of Attorney: The Cautionary Tale of Jack Johnson Continue Reading »

Power of Attorney, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes

Balancing the Indian Act and Formal Will Requirements: Bayliss v. Burnham

The recent decision in Bayliss v. Burnham, 2025 ONSC 5376 provides insight into how estate issues involving the Indian Act (the “Act”) are resolved. Kenneth Ryan Hill (“Kenneth” or the “Estate”) passed away from natural causes on January 18, 2021 in Miami, Florida. Kenneth was a status Indian registered under the Act, a permanent resident of the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve and a member of the Mohawk….

Balancing the Indian Act and Formal Will Requirements: Bayliss v. Burnham Continue Reading »

Contested wills, Uncategorized

Giving Thanks: How to Start the Longevity Planning Conversations

This year, our summer weather has extended well beyond its normal time. The roses in the garden are blooming for a third time and with October here, pumpkin spice flavoring is everywhere. It’s time to celebrate the harvest and get ready for Thanksgiving. As you gather with family and friends, it’s a perfect time to start the longevity planning conversation with older family members, and then actively listen to what….

Giving Thanks: How to Start the Longevity Planning Conversations Continue Reading »

Elder Management, Smart Ageing
Scroll to Top