This Bog was written by; Sally Lee Is Priority Given to a Spouse/Common Law Partner to be an Executor in an Intestacy? No, but I can understand why this misconception exists. Subsection 29(1) of the Estates Act creates the confusion by naming the surviving spouse/common law partner before the next of kin, which leads many to believe that there is in fact a priority of appointment to the surviving spouse/common….
In the work I do, I am asked to provide expert testimony to support litigation. In some cases, I am often quite surprised to what extent parties will continue to litigate matters that appear to be “no-wins” or for small dollar amounts. Depending on the circumstances, parties have taken the personal brunt of litigation costs that may far exceed the amount in question, due primarily to their own intransigence. A….
Estate Trustees and Costs of Litigation: Try not to take it personally? Continue Reading »
Attorney Compensation, Contested wills, Costs, Estate Administration, Executors, Family Conflict, Liability, Property, Trustee, Trustee Disputes, Uncategorized, WillsI had previously blogged on the state of loneliness and the efforts being made in the UK with the creation of a Minister of Loneliness. We know that this is also a huge problem in own backyard and one that we continue to need to be aware of. My colleague recently shared a new campaign originating in the UK called the “End Loneliness” with a conference in October 2018 touted….
Lessons Learnt from Children: Making A New Friend Continue Reading »
Elder Care, UncategorizedThe recent passing of Aretha Franklin on August 16 means the music industry has lost yet another icon. It also, however, serves a useful reminder – even those who appear to have all the financial success in the world, don’t necessarily ensure their financial affairs are in order. Shortly following the death of Franklin, the world learned she died without a will. See Article. This was despite the fact that….
A Deathly Reminder Continue Reading »
WillsEarlier this week, the Law Commission in the UK confirmed that electronic signatures can be used to sign formal legal contracts under English law. John Hancock is rolling over in his grave. In England and Wales, the Law Commission is an independent legal advisor set up by Parliament to review laws and recommend reforms. The Commission has issued guidance and a summary document stating that e-signatures are just as valid as paper signatures. Currently in Canada, certain documents….
e-Signed, Sealed, Delivered….and Legal Continue Reading »
Contested wills, Contracts, Estate Litigation, In the News, International, Power of Attorney, Trusts, WillsOn August 17, 2018, Justice Fred Myers released his reasons for dismissing a pastor’s request to extend a July 2018 publication ban and order sealing the court file in respect of a paternity lawsuit brought by the pastor against a former congregant and lover who claimed he had fathered her child. Martin Kofi Danso, a Toronto pastor and self-styled “prophet”, is the founder of Miracle Arena for All Nations, a….
Profit Pastor Has His “Bill Clinton” Moment Continue Reading »
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