The 1870 Test for Testamentary Capacity: time for an update

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The leading case on testamentary capacity for almost 150 years has been that of Banks v Goodfellow – a judgment written on appeal by Chief Justice Cockburn of the English High Court in 1870.  The four broad criteria that emerged from his judgment have formed the basis of virtually every Will challenge case since that time – this, despite the fact that a few things have changed since 1870.  This….

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Capacity Law, Estate Litigation

Don’t Look a Gift House in the Mouth

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“A resulting trust arises when title to property is in one party’s name, but that party, because he or she is a fiduciary or gave no value for the property, is under an obligation to return it to the original title owner.” Pecore v Pecore (SCC). In 1969, Luisa immigrated from Portugal to Canada. By 1972, all of Louisa’s seven children had joined her (spanning in ages from 20 to….

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Estate Litigation, Property, Real Estate, Resulting Trust, Trusts

Combination Gift Plans

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Combining estate plans and lifetime financial plans can be challenging, especially for individuals who have dedicated a significant portion of their estate to charity, for example 50% or more.  Wills are often drafted independently of lifetime financial plans.  The drafting lawyer may not ask the question “is it prudent and advantageous to start giving major gift during life?”.  In certain situations, there are significant tax and philanthropic benefits to start….

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Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

NEW TAX MEASURES RELATED TO DISABILITY PLANNING

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In my last blog I began a discussion of multiple wills. I will continue that discussion in my next blog. For today’s blog, I will focus on two recently-announced tax measures that relate to planning for persons with disabilities. The measures were included in the legislative proposals relating to the Income Tax Act (“ITA”) released on September 16, 2016…..

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Tax Issues
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