Fasken LLP

Modern Families: References to Children and Issue in Wills

  Today’s blog was written by Karen La Caprara, Counsel, at Fasken LLP. Like many modern families, the fictional Pritchett family in the series “Modern Family” has a variety of personalities, family dynamics and relationships, traditional and modern viewpoints. The many possible iterations and permutations of what makes a family is a beautiful thing. But, it can also create complexity when it comes to defining who is and who is….

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Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Wills

A Closer Look at Simultaneous Deaths

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

From Inventory to Distribution: Managing Household Items in an Estate

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

Estate Information Return – The New Online Process

I was intrigued by this group chat that one of my colleagues sent last Friday: “FYI – Just saw this – Beginning March 3, 2025, you can file your Estate Information Return online using the Ministry of Finance’s online services webpage at https://www.services.fin.gov.on.ca/OTP/Gentax/_/. Effective February 26, 2025, you will no longer be able to use the fillable PDF form to file an Estate Information Return online. …” We tested the….

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Estate Administration, Estate Administration and Probate Applications, Executors, Trustee

Turbulent Times and Estate Planning

This blog has been written by Rahul Sharma, Partner, at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Toronto The world is changing very fast and conversations that I am having with people today include generous helpings of “T” words other than “tax” and “trust.”  I could try to keep count of how many times I hear the word “tariff”, but the score is obviously high.  So much so, in fact, that even my elementary….

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Estate Planning, Tax Issues, Trusts, valuation

Powers of Attorney for Property – Part II: Creation and Termination Essentials

This blog has been written by Pritika Deepak, Associate at Fasken LLP. In the continuation of the discussion on Powers of Attorney for Property (“POAs”) in Ontario, it is important to understand the nuances of drafting and executing these documents to ensure their validity and effectiveness. As mentioned in Part I of this series, which can be found here, Ontario  recognizes POAs under common law, the Powers of Attorney Act[1]….

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Power of Attorney
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