Total 678 Posts
Legal precedents are invaluable – except, that is, when they are wrong or out of date. Recently a Scotiatrust colleague contacted me about a clause in a client’s will that was intended to create an endowment fund at a registered charity. The clause imposed a 10-year capital hold on the donation. He asked, “is this clause still necessary?” The short answer is “no”. The longer answer is “this clause was….
Outdated Donation Clause Continue Reading »
UncategorizedFor several years now, clients and contacts (with more frequency of late, and that’s no accident) have been asking me: “Hey Steve, I am turning 65 shortly, do I apply for CPP now or do I wait – what makes more sense financially” Based on analysis provided by experts in the financial planning sector (and more recently, published articles on the subject) my answer usually takes the form of “it….
CPP: TO DEFER OR NOT DEFER Continue Reading »
Canada Revenue Agency, Compensation, Estate Planning, In the News, Insurance, Investments, Tax Issues, UncategorizedThis Blog was written by Suzanna Walter, Estate and Trust Consultant with Scotia Wealth Management On July 9, 2020, I wrote about the importance of road testing your incapacity plan. I would like to outline a similar road test for your Estate Plan. For most people the cornerstone of their Estate Plan is the Will. However, when road testing your estate plan, it is not enough to review just your….
Road Testing your Estate Plan Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, Executors, Uncategorized, WillsToday’s blog is being brought to you by guest blogger, Krista Brown, a law clerk in the Private Client Services group of Fasken LLP. Working with high net worth clients and their complex estates, I come across new terminology, challenges and scenarios each and every day, which keeps me engaged after years of practice. Recently, I came across a request that left me feeling puzzled. I sent a probate application….
Feeling Like an Apostille Imposter Continue Reading »
Uncategorized
This post was contributed to by Maureen Berry and Demetre Vasilounis of Fasken. If there is one thing that 2020 has taught us, it is that the world as we know it is capable of changing overnight. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had immeasurable impacts on our economy, our interactions with our loved ones, and our way of life, it has perhaps served an important role in that it has reminded….
“Unmasking” the Issues Facing Family Businesses Continue Reading »
UncategorizedCanada’s 85,896 registered charities have wide-ranging capacity, but these variations are often underappreciated. Estate donors – and their professional advisors – often focus on cause and tax status, but ignore organizational health indicators like history, funding, staffing, and governance. What should estate donors look for in a charity? Although all registered charities can issue donation tax receipts, not all charities can handle significant estate donations or receive more complex assets. ….
The Charity Capacity Gap Continue Reading »
Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Uncategorized