Estate Planning

Total 1087 Posts

The Last “ism”

• • 0 Comments
Scotiatrust

This blog post was written by Hannah Zip, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotiatrust Toronto People over the age of 65 accounted for 19% of the Canadian population in 2023, according to Statistics Canada. This diverse and growing group of individuals commonly encounters ageism, one of the remaining socially accepted “isms”. Ageism is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as discrimination against people due to negative, inaccurate stereotypes and prejudices….

The Last “ism” Continue Reading »

Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Smart Ageing, Testamentary Capacity

Joint Ownership & Tax Considerations

• • 1 Comment

The benefits of joint property ownership as an estate and probate planning strategy are well known; property vests to the surviving owner(s) on death thus, bypassing the estate and avoiding probate fees. In the right circumstances, joint ownership works great and facilitates the succession of the property. However, what may be overlooked are the potential unintended tax consequences associated with joint ownership. Joint Ownership: Legal vs Tax For legal purposes,….

Joint Ownership & Tax Considerations Continue Reading »

Estate Planning, Joint Tenancy, Probate Tax, Resulting Trust, Tax Issues

The Rising Cost of Not Living and the CPP Death Benefit

• • 2 Comments

This blog has been written by Sandra Arsenault, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP. On January 1, 2025, amendments to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit came into effect, introducing a top-up for eligible deceased individuals. While this reform is long-overdue, the net benefit overall for most individuals still fails to cover the costs of even the most basic death expenses in 2025. The majority of Canadians will continue to….

The Rising Cost of Not Living and the CPP Death Benefit Continue Reading »

Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Executors

Scheming With a Purpose

• • 0 Comments

This week’s blog has been written by Darren Lund In Ontario, as in most common law jurisdictions, charitable gifts are treated differently than other gifts in important ways. One of the clearest examples of this is that a gift for a charitable purpose will generally not fail for uncertainty. In addition, the court’s inherent “scheme-making power” may save a charitable gift where the charitable purpose cannot be carried out, or….

Scheming With a Purpose Continue Reading »

Charitable Giving, Courts, Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Wills

RESP, Incapacity and Power of Attorney

• • 0 Comments

This article is written by Nicole Ewing, Principal, Wealth Planning Office, TD Wealth Parents and grandparents often help fund a child’s education using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs). These are tax-efficient vehicles that allow contributions, grants, bonds, and income to be invested in a tax-deferred environment to grow for eventual use toward post-secondary education. Generally, the parent/grandparent “subscriber” enters into an RESP contract with a “promotor” and names one or….

RESP, Incapacity and Power of Attorney Continue Reading »

Capacity Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, RESP

The Importance of Choosing the Right Trustee: Lessons from Jones v. Jones

• • 0 Comments

Today’s blog was written by Latoya Brown, Associate, at Fasken LLP When it comes to estate planning involving trusts, selecting the right trustee is one of the most crucial decisions. The recent case, Jones v. Jones, 2025 ONSC 695 serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls involved in trust administration. This case underscores the importance of choosing a trustee who is not only knowledgeable and capable….

The Importance of Choosing the Right Trustee: Lessons from Jones v. Jones Continue Reading »

Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Trustee, Trustee Disputes, Trusts, Wills
Scroll to Top