Planning for the People You Love

This blog has been written by Latoya Brown, Associate at Fasken LLP Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, cards, and grand gestures. But beyond the chocolates and celebrations, February also offers a quieter reminder of what truly matters: the people we care about. It’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on how we show care, not just through gestures or words, but through thoughtful planning and intention for the….

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Power of Attorney, Succession Planning, Wills

Moral Obligations Matter: Recent Dependant Support Decisions in Ontario

In recent years, Ontario courts have placed increasing emphasis on the moral obligations owed to dependants when assessing claims under Part V of the Succession Law Reform Act (“SLRA”). While testamentary autonomy remains a fundamental principle, recent decisions show that courts are prepared to intervene where a will fails to make adequate provision for a spouse or other dependant, even in circumstances where the claimant is not in immediate financial….

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Uncategorized

Gifting Farmland, an Estate Strategy?

Gifting property to the next generation is an estate strategy at its simplest form. For farming families, farm succession planning can often be complex considering the difficulties associated with “equalizing” a farmer’s estate between their children in circumstances where a child is actively involved in the farming business while the other is not. An equalization option that is sometimes considered by the farmer is to sever the farmland with the….

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Farm, Property, Real Estate, Succession Planning, Tax Issues

Please “Designate” on my Behalf: Welcome Amendments to the Ontario Succession Law Reform Act

This blog post has been written by Darren G. Lund, Partner at Fasken LLP With the holiday season having only recently passed (although in many ways it feels like a long time ago already), I am reminded of how easy it is for news items to get lost in the hustle and bustle of year-end planning and preparations. In the estate planning world, this past year-end contained a welcome development….

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Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Wills

Can an Ontario Codicil Amend a Quebec Will?

This issue was recently considered by the Court in Re Pregent Estate, 2025 ONSC 7208 (CanLII). Roberta Anne Pregent died on February 8, 2024 in Kingston, Ontario. She left a last will and testament dated April 12, 1973, executed in Quebec, where she resided at the time. The will attached a handwritten “amendment” dated February 10, 1998, “to reflect the present situation”, signed in Ontario. Ms. Pregent’s daughter applied to….

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Uncategorized

Travel Planning for a Person with Cognitive Impairment

Bondi Beach

Many of us dream of escaping a Canadian winter, especially this year, with the repeated snowfalls and freezing temperatures. As our population ages, the annual migration of Canadian ‘snowbirds’ to warmer climates continues to grow. Travelling with a person who has cognitive impairments can be challenging, yet it is possible with adequate planning. As your International Estate Plan changes to reflect cognitive impairment, so should your International Lifestyle Plan. A….

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Elder Management, Smart Ageing
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