Family Foundations & the Promise of Harmony

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One of the most common philanthropic clichés is that family foundations produce family harmony.  I was recently at a forum of advisors to ultra high net worth clients.  In a moment of candour, someone asked “has anyone used family foundations to promote family harmony, and has it ever worked?”  The answers from the room were uniformly, “yes” and “no”.  Despite the myth of philanthropy as a domestic panacea, the reality….

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Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

Brampton’s Civil Court Procedure – An Update

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The Superior Court of Justice issued a new Consolidated Civil Provincial Practice Direction for all civil proceedings effective as of June 15, 2023. In addition, the Brampton court office has adopted new procedures for civil matters designed to lead to a more effective use of court time and resources…..

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Courts, Estate Litigation, Practice Management

Dearly Departed…or not?

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A recent Toronto Star article[1] highlighted what has become a bit of an interesting viral trend in the modern internet era: “scorched earth” obituaries, written by one or more of a deceased person’s relatives, who do not have anything nice to say in their send-off of the departed. The article provides a few highlights from recent examples, including an obituary prepared by a deceased woman’s children that said “they understand that….

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Family Conflict

Give Thanks and Press the Pause Button …

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Autumn is here, and as we prepare for the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, it is a good time to reflect on how we are coping as busy professionals. In the last few years, the COVID pandemic has changed many things at work and at home. Estate planning professionals are busy with the ever-increasing aging population, and the demand is growing. The same impact is felt by professionals in health and community….

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Elder Management, Smart Ageing

Joint tenancy: a cost-effective or costly measure to save on probate fees?

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This blog has been written by Mohena Singh, Associate at Fasken LLP As an estate planner, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “How do I transfer my house or cottage to my family without paying estate administration tax?” A common way we have seen individuals attempt to accomplish their goal of transferring real property without paying estate administration tax (also known as “probate fees”) is by….

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Joint Tenancy, Probate Tax, Real Estate, Wills

Chain of Executorship

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THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN BY ANTHONY PRANATA, ESTATE & TRUST CONSULTANT, SCOTIA WEALTH MANAGEMENT   What is harder than being the executor of an estate? Being the executor of two estates simultaneously. If you are thinking there is no way this would happen to you as long as you are only appointed in one Will, think again. By accepting one executor appointment, you may become responsible for the estates of….

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