Testamentary Capacity

Total 44 Posts

Update on Suggested Amendment for Capacity to Consent to MAiD

I suggest “an appreciation of the impact MAiD will have on family members and friends” be included in fulfilling the proposed amendment of the appreciation test for consenting to MAiD. The proposed amendment would not mandate being bound by others’ opinions, but that that lack of ability to appreciate the views of one’s significant others would demonstrate a lack of ability to apply the relevant information to one’s circumstances…..

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Capacity Law, Elder Care, Elder Law, Family Conflict, Fiduciary Professions, Geriatric Care Management, Healthcare, Medical Assistance in Dying, Testamentary Capacity, Undue influence

Capacity to Consent to MAiD: A Suggestion For Amendment

I have found it uncommon for a family member or beneficiary to exert undue influence to pressure a patient to pursue MAiD. What worries me is the vulnerability of patients to undue influence from physicians who may embrace therapeutic nihilism and bias patients unduly towards MAiD. I suggest that, for capacity to consent to MAiD, the test of “ability to appreciate” should be expanded to require an appreciation of the views and wishes of supportive family members and friends…..

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Capacity Law, Disability, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Healthcare, In the News, Medical Assistance in Dying, Power of Attorney, Spouse, Succession Planning, Testamentary Capacity, Undue influence

Taking the Extra Steps

Verifying the capacity of a testator prior to him or her executing a will is essential, and the test for testamentary capacity is well known to drafting solicitors and estate litigators. In particular, Banks v. Goodfellow provides that a person executing a will: (1) shall understand the nature of the act and its effects; (2) shall understand the extent of the property of which he is disposing; (3) shall be….

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Contested wills, Estate Litigation, Testamentary Capacity, Wills

When Leaving Your Premises for Medical Reasons and Never Go Back: Need a Plan

I do a lot of work in the insurance industry. Recently, I came across a court case which I thik is a cautionary tale for estate planners and executors. In Gregson v. CAA Insurance., 2021 ONSC 3041, Ms. Gregson was a property owner and name insured on March 17,2017 when her property sustained water damage. A plumber determined that the pipes servicing a bathroom sink had a crack in the….

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Capacity Law, Caregiving, Disability, Elder Care, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Executors, Geriatric Care Management, In the News, Insurance, Power of Attorney, Property, Testamentary Capacity, Trustee

Evaluation of Decision Making Capacity: Aiming for an Improved Standard of Care

Evaluation of decision-making capacity is inherent to the practice of law and medicine and is not the exclusive responsibility or expertise of either. Lawyers may need to assess (among other things) capacity to instruct counsel; to provide evidence; to stand trial; to appoint or revoke Powers of Attorney; to make a contract, a gift, or execute a will; to marry, divorce and/or reconcile. In healthcare, clinicians are confronted mostly with….

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Capacity Law, Disability, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Litigation, Geriatric Care Management, Guardianship, Healthcare, Power of Attorney, Powers Of Attorney and Guardianship Disputes, Testamentary Capacity, Undue influence

When Are You Married?

Most know that you don’t have to be legally married to have a “spouse” for income tax purposes, although legal marriage will work. If you have been living with someone in a conjugal relationship for 12 months or more regardless of your sex at birth, you will be considered spouses for tax purposes. You can ignore the 12 month requirement if you are living together and you are both parents….

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Contested wills, Courts, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Spouse, Testamentary Capacity, Uncategorized, Wills
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