Last week Ziggy and I resumed our visits with a couple of my clients who live in their own homes. As we all know Covid had restricted these visits and it was a welcome change after several months. Ziggy as you may recall is an ambassador dog with CNIB and when not on official duty he joins me in visiting my clients. We call Ziggy the ‘smile maker’ because he….
Enjoying Nature From An Armchair Continue Reading »
Elder Care
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…..
This Blog was written by: Alicia Godin, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotia Wealth Management As we approach mid-August, many students (and parents) have turned their minds to the new school year. Although this year post-secondary education may look slightly different for many students with the switch to online learning, it is nevertheless a milestone worth celebrating. This author has taken the liberty of compiling some gift ideas for young adults….
Gift Ideas for the Freshman in the Family Continue Reading »
Power of Attorney, Property, Uncategorized, WillsIn Thompson v. Elliott Estate, 2020 ONSC 1004 (CANLII), the Court considered the validity and effect of a “zombie” deed signed by a transferor while alive in order to convey an interest in land, but not registered on title until after the transferor’s death. The Facts: Alitha Elizabeth Elliott and Byron Thompson lived in a common law relationship from 2008 until they married in 2014. Each had adult children from….
Beware of the “Zombie” Deed Continue Reading »
UncategorizedWhile we are still learning how best to live under the threat of either spreading or catching Covid, our long term care facilities are starting to also figure this out. See: https://allaboutestates.ca/family-essential-visitors/ With 80% of all COVID deaths having occurred in LTC facilities, this is definitely too late for many families. In addition to all the concerns that have been previously highlighted, from a physical, structural, staffing and equipment perspective,….
Definition of (Essential) Family Caregiver Continue Reading »
Elder Care
It’s critical for anyone planning an estate, whether their own or someone else’s, to do a comprehensive analysis of anything that could be considered property of that estate upon the testator’s death. After all, section 2 of Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act states that a “person may by will devise, bequeath or dispose of all property (whether acquired before or after making his or her will) to which at the….
Estate Planning for Tattoo Artists Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, United States