Total 686 Posts
Today’s blog is being brought to you by guest blogger, Tracy Parkinson, law clerk in the Private Client Services group of Fasken LLP. Thinking now back to what life was like a year ago, I’d say that we were living “footloose and fancy free” although it might not have felt like it at the time. I can say for certain that if someone had told me that within a year….
One Short Year Ago! Continue Reading »
Uncategorized[caption id="attachment_12694" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Tabernacle by Orcagna, 1359, Orsanmichelle, Florence[/caption] In 1348 the plague hit Florence – and Europe – hard. Half the population died in this densely populated city of 80,000. One result of this mass die-off was 350,000 florins of bequests to one organization, Orsanmichele, a grain market with a miracle producing Madonna shrine. How much is 350,000 florins? It was equal to the annual budget of the….
The Plague and Charitable Bequests Continue Reading »
Estate Donations, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, UncategorizedIndividuals can apply for support through government disability programs such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (“ODSP”) subject to maximums for levels of assets and income. For a single adult with no dependents applying under the ODSP the asset limit is currently $40,000. The OSDP regulations prescribe how assets are determined and creates several exemptions. Monies that are held not available to a recipient because they are held in a….
Had A Henson Trust Been Created? Tribunal Was Not Convinced Continue Reading »
Disability, Healthcare, In the News, UncategorizedThis Blog was written by: Alicia Godin, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotiatrust Amidst the current landscape, many of us are self-isolating at home and finding ways to entertain ourselves. Often, this means relying more heavily on social media and digital technology. Many of us have adapted our typical business practices and move toward an (even more) paperless society. Planning for digital assets is not a new topic, but during this….
ALEXA? How do I access my online account? Administering Estates in a Digital Age Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Executors, Uncategorized, WillsThis blog was written by Paula Lester – Estate and Trust Consultant with Scotia Wealth Management It’s the irony of today’s situation: more and more individuals are turning their minds to their estate plans in light of our current pandemic, but getting new Wills drafted and executed right now has become an increasingly difficult endeavour. As a result, we find ourselves trying to get Wills drafted and signed under unideal….
The Risky Business of Updating your Will in the Time of COVID-19 Continue Reading »
Contested wills, Estate Planning, Uncategorized, WillsIt is no surprise that many people are contemplating their own mortalities during the COVID-19 pandemic and wish to make a will. However, the existing laws are particularly unsuited to making wills in a time of social distancing; it will usually be impossible or unsafe to have two people witness the signing of the will in person. Helpfully, the Ontario government has now stepped in to allow for virtual witnessing….
COVID-19: Virtual Witnessing of Wills and POAs Now Allowed Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Succession Planning, Uncategorized, Wills