Capacity Law

Total 144 Posts

My First Experience with Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)

After approval of the legislation, it did not take long for one of my patients (identity disguised) to request access to MAID.  I knew that this was a possibility because of previous discussions regarding the eventual outcome of her debilitating and progressive medical condition.  However, it had been couched in terms of a sense of security just to know that the option was available.  In recent months, her condition deteriorated….

My First Experience with Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Continue Reading »

Capacity Law, Estate Planning

Despite a Messy Fight Over a Billionaire’s Capacity, Succession Planning Still Essential

Over the past year, the saga of billionaire Sumner Redstone’s estate and capacity fight has continued to play out in the United States. Redstone, an American media magnate, was the subject of a lawsuit brought by Manuela Herzer, a former girlfriend. Herzer alleged that the CBS Corporation and Viacom owner was incapable, and was being manipulated by his daughter, Shari Redstone. That lawsuit was dismissed in May of this year…..

Despite a Messy Fight Over a Billionaire’s Capacity, Succession Planning Still Essential Continue Reading »

Capacity Law, Elder Law, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Trustee Disputes

PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION AND BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP – AN UPDATE

We know that if a property qualifies as a principal residence, an exemption can be claimed to reduce or eliminate any capital gain otherwise realized on the disposition of the property. Under the Income Tax Act, one of the requirements for a property to qualify as a taxpayer’s principal residence for a taxation year is that it must be “owned” by the taxpayer. In common law jurisdictions, two forms of….

PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION AND BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP – AN UPDATE Continue Reading »

Canada Revenue Agency, Capacity Law, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Investments, Joint Tenancy, Liability, Property, Real Estate, Tax Issues, Trustee

Sumner and National Amusements

In a number of previous Blogs, there have been references to famous families feuding over estates. This Blog is about a similar story except that the subject, Sumner Redstone, is still alive at 92 years of age. For those who don’t know, Sumner Redstone is a media mogul. He currently owns the majority interest in Viacom and CBS Corporation (through National Amusements Inc.), estimated to be worth around $5 billion…..

Sumner and National Amusements Continue Reading »

Capacity Law, Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes, Succession Planning, Testamentary Capacity, Undue influence

Carter v Canada: The prudent position of the Federal Government on mental illness

The polarized perspectives on Physician Assisted Dying (PAD) mean that no matter where the Federal Government landed on the specific details of the implementation of the Carter v Canada decision, there would be a guaranteed outcry from one or both of the poles – those representing autonomy under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and those concerned with the need to protect the vulnerable. There is certainly merit in the….

Carter v Canada: The prudent position of the Federal Government on mental illness Continue Reading »

Capacity Law

Costly Cottage Dispute – $403,174.85 in Legal Costs Sought in Dispute Over $300,000 Cottage

At long last, cottage season is upon us. As I gaze longingly out my window at the construction of what looks like an awesome rooftop patio in the making, I thought it would be fitting to write about a cottage dispute.[1] A really, really expensive cottage dispute. The background was as follows. The mother, Grace, made a will in 2010 leaving her condo to her daughter Barbara and her cottage….

Costly Cottage Dispute – $403,174.85 in Legal Costs Sought in Dispute Over $300,000 Cottage Continue Reading »

Capacity Law, Costs, Cottage, Estate Litigation, Family Conflict, Property, Real Estate, Testamentary Capacity, Wills
Scroll to Top