Fasken LLP

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

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

Charitable Bequests in Wills

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This blog was written by Courtney Lanthier, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP.   We often hear in the news of beloved celebrities passing away after years of lucrative careers. It’s also common to speculate as to how their estate will be distributed. Many celebrities have either left, or plan to leave, the majority of their estate to various charities. Bob Barker, who passed away last month, has left his estate….

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Charitable Giving, Estate Donations, Estate Planning, In the News, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Wills

The Genetic Gift: Navigating the Legal Labyrinth of Genetic Material Donation in Canada

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In the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian law, the donation of genetic material presents a complex and multifaceted challenge both in the case of inter vivos donations and posthumous ones. The intersection of property rights, consent, and privacy in this context is not only legally intricate but also laden with ethical considerations.  After a friendly debate about this issue, I thought I would share some of my thoughts.  This post considers….

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Property

A Goodbye without Good Planning

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This blog has been written by Sandra Arsenault, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP Never again, your voice will we hear, When we pick up the phone, and your number we dial. Never again, will we kiss your soft cheek, Listen to your chuckle, or share a knowing smile. Your grandkids won’t feel your warm loving hugs, Or run through your beautiful garden full of flowers and bugs. You enjoyed a….

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Wills

Failure to plan can leave minor children in “Another World”: Considerations for the Anne Heche estate

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Today’s blog is written by Latoya Brown, Articling Student at Fasken LLP. The tragic death of soap opera actress of “Another World” Anne Heche, was an unexpected loss for her fans and family. She succumbed to her injuries on August 11, 2022, a week following a car accident that left her in critical condition. Heche died, leaving behind her two sons, 20 year old Homer Laffoon, 13 year old Atlas….

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Contested wills, Courts, Dependant Support, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Guardianship, Wills
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