Total 466 Posts
Although the title of this blog is largely tongue-in- cheek, there is some validity to exploring how trusts can be used to incentivise or encourage the next generation to be successful or at the very least contributing to society in a positive way…..
Incenting From Beyond the Grave!! Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Succession Planning, Trusts, WillsReciprocal wills contain terms that mirror one another and are frequently prepared for couples. Mutual Wills are reciprocal Wills that the testators have agreed cannot be changed, at least without the consent of the other. Where there is no written agreement, the question arises: when do reciprocal Wills become mutual ones? The answer of the recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Rammage v. Estate of Roussel….
Mutual Wills – May Require Less than You’d Think Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, WillsWhen WW finally received a copy of her father’s will, after more than a year of chasing her father’s second wife to produce it, she read these words: I have equally considered my two children and leave them absolutely nothing. [WW] is entirely without morality and who ‘did not know’ if she could tell the truth in a Court. She is less a person than her mother. G-d help anyone….
Deceased’s Will So Hateful it is Suspicious Continue Reading »
Contested wills, Estate Litigation, Family Conflict, Testamentary Capacity, Undue influence, WillsIn Royston et al v Alkerton et al, 2016 ONSC 2986 (CanLII) the estate trustees of Recia’s estate sought the court’s advice and direction to interpret her will. Recia had five children. Two of them, Alan and John, predeceased her. Alan had two children; John had none. Subsequent to Alan and John’s death, Recia made a will with the following provision: My Trustees shall divide the residue of my estate….
Does the Timing of their Father’s Death Disinherit Them? Continue Reading »
Estate Litigation, Trustee, WillsOne cannot be engaged in an estate planning practice without being asked “why do I need a Will”. For those living family members of the recently departed entertainer, Prince, the answer will, unfortunately become all too clear. According to numerous news reports, the iconic entertainer died without a Will. As a result, the surviving family, comprised of siblings and half-siblings, can expect the legal issues to carry-on for quite some time before their brother can truly rest-in-peace…..
I’LL GET TO MY WILL ON ANOTHER DAY… Continue Reading »
Estate Planning, WillsIn Will drafting, it is common to include beneficiary designations for life insurance, TFSAs and RRSPS/RRIFs, but sometimes pension plans are overlooked. If the client has a spouse (married or common law), the spouse will automatically receive the client’s pension survivor benefits pursuant to Ontario law. However, members of a plan generally have the ability to designate a non-spouse beneficiary to receive benefits in the event that they die with no spouse surviving. In Ontario, the ability to designate a beneficiary by Will to receive benefits from a pension plan on a member’s death is found in sections 50 and 51 of the Succession Law Reform Act…..
Pension Beneficiary Designations – Don’t Forget the Tax! Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Spouse, Tax Issues, Wills