A Lot of Plots or a Plot of Lots?

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Reading my colleague Diana’s blog of a few weeks ago, ‘Whose Land Is It Anyways’ ,  reminded me of my friend’s current challenge.   She owns a lovely piece of  prime real estate in a prestigious and sought-after location in mid-town Toronto (off Yonge Street) with a great view!  Sounds wonderful doesn’t it! However, she can’t exactly build there and there are a few stipulations such as the lot cannot….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Caregiving, Funeral Planning

Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous… Or in this Case, One Rich and Famous Cat!

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Today’s blog is being brought to you by guest blogger, Jennifer Campbell, a law clerk in the Private Client Services group of Fasken LLP. This week, the fashion world lost an icon with the passing of creative director for Chanel, fashion designer and artist, Karl Lagerfeld. While everyone reminisces about his work and the legacy he leaves behind, there is one other thing that people can’t stop talking about and….

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Uncategorized

Lights, Camera, Estates!

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The Oscars are on Sunday, and I think we can all agree that the best movies always revolve around estates and trusts. Just look at the plot of my favourite Best Picture nominee this year: After an eventful career and life, the family patriarch suddenly passes away. Heartbroken and feeling responsible, his son (our hero) struggles as he takes his father’s place. His father’s estate was massive and contained very….

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Contracts, Estate Administration, In the News

Senior Man Falls Victim to Online Romance Scam

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Romance scams are among the top reported scams based on total dollar loss, and seniors are particularly susceptible to these types of scams. Unfortunately, the late Robert Hogg fell victim to a romance scam, which was not discovered until after his death. The facts can be found in the CBC News article, but essentially the story goes as follows: Mr. Hogg, a widow in his mid-60’s who was diagnosed with cancer,….

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Elder Care

Estate donations, Time and Flexibility

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Last week I visited Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto for a grant status update meeting with a family foundation. I used to work at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, but left 20 years ago. Returning after two decades provided me perspective on two key charitable estate planning considerations: time and flexibility. The Cancer Centre and the treatment of cancer has changed massively since I worked there. An obvious sign….

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Charitable Giving, Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized

Supreme Court Blesses Henson Trusts

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The Supreme Court of Canada has given its blessing to Henson Trusts (fully discretionary trusts set up to not impact the beneficiary’s social assistance benefits) in S.A. v. Metro Vancouver Housing Corp., 2019 SCC 4. I previously blogged about this case when it was before the Court of Appeal. The Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation (the “Landlord”) provides affordable rental housing in Vancouver.   The Landlord requires prospective tenants to provide evidence….

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Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Trusts
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