A Closer Look at Simultaneous Deaths

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Recently, the world learned of the passing of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa in what appeared to very strange circumstances. Initially, there were concerns that their deaths may have been as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Autopsy reports have later revealed that this is not the case. Almost immediately, the media started talking about their Estates, with initial reports suggesting that Gene’s Will did not name….

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning, In the News, Uncategorized, Wills

The New 2024 Alternative Minimum Tax and Trusts – The intended target or unintended victim?

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This blog post was written by Melissa Plunkett, Director, Scotiatrust Over my almost twenty-five-year career in the trust industry, I have seen a lot of clients who have settled trusts for protection – protection of assets and protection of the beneficiary.  Over the course of this past year, with all the Alternative minimum tax (AMT) changes, proposed changes, proposed changes that did not go through, and more changes, I’ve waited….

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Tax Issues, Trusts

Undue Influence: A Primer

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Generally, the validity of a last will and testament can be challenged on the basis of: (i) lack of testamentary capacity; (ii) undue influence; (iii) lack of knowledge and approval of the will; and/or (iv) fraud. While allegations relating to undue influence often go hand-in-hand with claims relating to lack of testamentary capacity, it is not always so. In fact, undue influence may exist even where the testator has capacity….

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Contested wills, Courts, Estate Litigation, Undue influence, Wills

Account! Account! Account!

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Anna Chen, associate Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP The importance of a fiduciary (whether a trustee, an attorney for property or an estate trustee) to keep proper books of account cannot be understated.  This is an obligation required of the fiduciary to prove he or she administered the trust, property or estate prudently and honestly.  The importance of keeping accounts and the consequence of not doing so have been addressed again….

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Passing Of Trustees’ and Executors’ Accounts, POA Compensation, Power of Attorney

From Inventory to Distribution: Managing Household Items in an Estate

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Today’s blog was written by Jessica Butler, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP. Managing and distributing household contents in an estate can be a daunting task, filled with both emotional and practical challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential steps and considerations for handling household items in an estate, from creating an inventory and appraising items, to distributing them among beneficiaries, to dealing with sentimental belongings. Whether you’re an estate….

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Estate Administration, Executors, Grief, Property

Donor Advised Funds are not Trusts

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A common misconception about donor advised funds is that they are trusts, charitable purpose trusts.  At times, lawyers, especially those with expertise in trusts and estates, struggle with this distinction, as do donors.  In 2023, this issue came to the forefront when Canadian charities briefly thought they might need to report on certain funds under trust reporting rules.  Although donor advised funds have trust-like features, most are not trusts. This….

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