Unhappily, it is not uncommon for family members to be at loggerheads as to who controls the body of a loved one and whether the body should be cremated or buried. I previously blogged on the 2018 case Miller v. Miller, a decision by Justice Myers of the ONSC, which…
It is never easy when a loved one dies. Only adding to one’s grief is the fact that the administrative tasks to deal with a death can be complicated. There is any number of loose-ends to address and specific steps to take to bring finality to a life well-lived.
Reading my colleague Diana’s blog of a few weeks ago, ‘Whose Land Is It Anyways’ , reminded me of my friend’s current challenge. She owns a lovely piece of prime real estate in a prestigious and sought-after location in mid-town Toronto (off Yonge Street) with a great view! Sounds…
“He knows where the bodies are buried” is a throwaway line from Orson Wells’ cinematic masterpiece, Citizen Kane. That line soon took on a life of its own and entered the cultural vernacular. In the world of estates, a more frequent problem is not finding the bodies but deciding where…
As a law student, my trust law professor brought in a “dead hand” to help us remember the rule against perpetuities. The prop was effective: I have not forgotten that the rule stops trust property from being governed indefinitely from “beyond the grave.” While principles of trust law helpfully prevent…
A long time client of ours passed away last week. She was able to remain at her own home and die in her own bed. So many of us wish, when the time comes, that we could do the same. We know this is not the ending place that most…
In last week’s blog, my colleague Dr. Shulman highlighted the ten ‘D’s of Geriatric Psychiatry . The ‘D’ that I would like to comment on today is depression which is closely linked to his last ‘D’ which is death. I have blogged over the years that contrary to popular belief,…
In another few days we will say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017. This time of year for me, is a time of reflection. Most jarringly- is wondering where did the time go? While I try to be in the present, I am not always successful. What seems to…
No one wants to have regrets. Dying patients shared their regrets in a blog post by a palliative care nurse. For me, these ‘regrets’ translates into food for thought and an action plan. Maybe it will for you too.
We prepare for marriage, child birth however many of us seem to have difficulty planning for older age. Let’s hope we all get there!
