Estate Administration

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It’s All About The Benjamin Orders

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Did William die? If so, when? These were the central issues addressed in Steele v. Smith, 2018 ONSC 4601. There, the Court had to consider whether the estate trustee of William’s sister’s estate should receive a “Benjamin Order”, permitting the estate trustee to distribute the residue of her estate as if William had predeceased her. The testator (William’s sister) was born in Northern Ireland on December 23, 1922 and later immigrated….

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Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Wills

Art Copyright and Estates

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[caption id="attachment_6654" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Derby Day (1856-58), William Powell Firth – The Tate Britain, Public Domain[/caption] Copyright & Art Ernest Gambart was a pioneering art dealer and showman in Victorian England who uncovered the value of art copyright.  His specialty was a triple play.  First, he mounted an exhibition (typically a single painting such as William Powell Firth’s The Derby Day); second, the sold the work; and third, he produced prints for….

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning

Graduated rate estate – don’t lose it!

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A graduated rate estate (GRE) is an estate that arises as the result of the death of a person on or after December 31, 2015, and no more than 36 months after the person’s death. The estate at that time must be a testamentary trust. The GRE designation brings with key benefits such as access to the lower marginal tax rates and simpler and more flexible donation rules.  Perhaps more important in….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Executors, Tax Issues, Uncategorized, Wills

Inheritances and Taxes – Be Careful Where you Step?

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Frequently, I am reminded how careful one has to be with making sure that tax-free inheritances generally maintain their status throughout all steps to liquidate and realize the proceeds. Here is a case in point. In Owen v The Queen (2018 TCC 90), the taxpayer’s father resided in the United States of America and had a US individual retirement account (“IRA”). The taxpayer’s father passed away. The taxpayer and his….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Investments, IRS, Property, Tax Issues, Uncategorized, United States, US Taxes

The Cost of Winning, Sort of….

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In my practice, I have been engaged on valuation matters which, on occasion despite the efforts of all those involved, go to trial to have a trial judge settle for the parties. Most trials are expensive and the actual outcome is not always certain, no matter how strong one side of the matter or case might be. It has been my experience that even if one happens to be on….

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Costs, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Executors, Joint Tenancy, Property, Uncategorized, Undue influence, Wills

The Toronto Maple Leafs and “Pour Over” Clauses have something in Common

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With the Toronto Maple Leafs season ending earlier this week, I thought I would take this opportunity to discuss the recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling involving the estate of former Leafs head coach, Pat Quinn (“Pat”). On March 9, 2018, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Funt declared the “pour over” clause in Pat’s Will invalid.  The clause could not be “cured” by the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, S.B.C. 2009, c…..

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning, In the News, Wills
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