Total 457 Posts
In this installment of my blogs on multiple wills (for probate planning) I will focus on the important issue of defining the assets that will be governed by the Primary and Secondary Wills. As in my prior blogs, I will use the term “Primary Will” to refer to the will that is intended to be probated and “Secondary Will” to refer to the will that is not intended to be probated…..
MULTIPLE WILLS: PART 3 Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, WillsIn the recent decision of Prince v Nytschyk Estate, 2016 ONSC 7459, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice enforced a settlement despite the lack of signed minutes of settlement at the time of death of one of the parties. In this case, Cherie Lewicki (“Cherie”) and Joseph Nytschyk (“Joseph”) were in a common-law relationship for about 15 years, during which time they lived together in a house in Joseph’s name alone. Joseph died intestate (without a Will) in 2013 and Cherie continued to live in the house until her death in 2015. Before her death, Cherie commenced a claim for dependent’s relief against Joseph’s estate. As part of her claim, Cherie sought a declaration that the house was held in trust for her based on a resulting or constructive trust. With the estate’s potentially significant exposure to a dependant’s support claim, the parties agreed to a settlement whereby the house would be transferred to Cherie. However, prior to the completion of any signed minutes of settlement, Cherie unexpectedly died…..
When is a Settlement Considered Binding and Enforceable? Continue Reading »
Contracts, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, WillsSuppose a straightforward will with very simple instructions to the executor: The executor is to pay the debts and expenses of the deceased, execute certain specific bequests of property and with some general instructions, distribute the residue of the estate to the named beneficiaries. During the administration of an estate, taxable income is generated during the course of paying all the debts and executing the specific bequests. Because it might….
Taxable Income of an Estate: Can it be Distributed? Continue Reading »
Canada Revenue Agency, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Executors, Tax Issues, Trusts, WillsIn my first blog on multiple wills, I briefly discussed the rationale for using multiple wills as a tool for managing estate administration tax and then turned to drafting considerations, specifically the introductory clause and the revocation clause. In this blog I will focus on provisions where there is potential for an unintended double payment…..
MULTIPLE WILLS: PART 2 Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, WillsIn what the judge referred to as a “noble gesture”, the deceased ordered that his two scrapbooks setting out his life story be copied and distributed to his family. These instructions were set out in a Codicil to his Will. However, disagreement amongst family members regarding the copying of the scrapbooks and delivery of the books led to court proceedings and over $30,000 in legal fees claimed by the three….
The Case of the $30,000 Scrapbooks Continue Reading »
Estate Litigation, WillsMany individuals make donations to charities in their Wills. Not only does this fulfill philanthropic goals, but it also provides a tax benefit. Making a charitable gift by will provides donation tax credits which can be used to offset the deemed disposition of capital property that occurs on death…..
Charitable Donation Tax Credits – When Can They Be Utilized? Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, In the News, Wills