Estate Law
Estate Law
Many people believe that getting divorced in Ontario automatically cancels their will. This is not true. While a divorce does change your will in some important ways, it does not erase it entirely. If you don’t take action after a separation or divorce, your estate plan may no longer reflect your wishes, potentially causing confusion,…
Navigating the complexities of elder abuse is paramount for lawyers in Canada, particularly when serving elderly clients. The unique vulnerabilities that accompany advanced age, coupled with the intricacies of legal matters such as estate planning and guardianship, create risk for potential exploitation and mistreatment. Lawyers must be acutely aware of the signs and risk factors…
A Will is an important legal document; it ensures that your estate is protected, your beneficiaries are provided for, and your final wishes are respected. It also allows you to engage in estate planning to minimize probate fees and delays. Not having a Will results in your estate being distributed under the legislative regime in…
So you’re thinking about disinheriting your child. Contrary to what you and others might think, this does not make you a bad parent. Unlike in forced heirship regimes, children in Ontario have no legal right to inherit anything from their parents’ estates. You may disagree with their lifestyle, politics, finances, or simply desire to see…
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a rapidly growing field and becoming increasingly popular with Canadian couples. ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) (whereby an egg is fertilized in a laboratory setting and the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus) and artificial insemination (whereby donated sperm is implanted directly into reproductive organs) represent…
Often, the most complicated part of estate planning is figuring out who you want to benefit from your estate. For blended families, estate planning can feel especially complicated – after all, you’re now dealing with more family members and more dynamics to keep in mind. Whether you are a longstanding member of a blended family…
Time and time again, we see individuals who think they don’t need a will because they don’t fit a particular mold. For example, some might think that estate planning without heirs is pointless – if you don’t have kids to leave assets to after you pass away, what’s the point? The truth is, regardless of…
Estate executors and trustees are appointed by a testator to carry out the testator’s wishes and administer their estate (as per their Will) after their death. As estate representatives, executors and trustees owe significant fiduciary duties to the estate and its beneficiaries. Failure to act in the estate’s best interests can have serious legal implications…