Wills

Unfortunately, some people die without making proper arrangements regarding their estates. Ontario residents who die intestate – or without wills – may have a loved one step up to the plate wanting to take on the responsibilities of being an estate trustee. But is...

There are many reasons people procrastinate creating a will. Some believe their estates are too simple to require an estate plan, and others may think they are too young to think about such things. However, one of the most frequent excuses for failing to write a will...

Every adult should have a will. But there may be instances in Ontario where having multiple wills may be even more prudent, especially when it comes to lowering estate administration taxes as they're now known. Ontario is actually the only province to allow dual...

Many common-law partners believe the laws are the same for them as they are for traditionally married couples. That is not always so in most provinces, Ontario included. So, when common-law partners are having wills drafted, they should make specific mention of...

No one likes to think about their own mortality.About one half of adult population in Canada dies without a will.However, some consideration should be given to what happens to assets upon an individual's death. If there is not a valid will, family members would have...

Writing a will is not as easy as scribbling down a few words and paper and rifling it into a drawer somewhere. Wills and estates law is complex and Ontario residents writing a will cannot just insert conditions on a whim and expect them to be legally binding. A...

Most estates end up going through the probate process. Ontario residents' wills need to have a legal stamp of approval in the courts. This probate process also formally appoints the estate's executor.Most provinces, including Ontario, charge a fee to...

Any man or woman who plans for the future of his or her family after they are gone clearly cares about the people in their life. Wills, in particular, are a great way to ensure the distribution of estates and the enrichment of descendants. However, failing to keep...

When a family member or a loved one passes away, it is a sad time for everyone connected to that individual. Sometimes, there may be solace found when the executor administers the will; a kindly bequest may be a welcome reminder of the relationship there once was....

It takes a lot of careful planning to see to the allocation of even a modest estate in Ontario. Wills are the primary tools of estate planning, and they make plain the testators final wishes. However, should the family of the deceased find they were left out of the...