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...
Wills
Ontario wills: When one partner dies in a common law partnership
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...
Wills in Canada: What’s important to know
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...
Wills in Ontario and the conditions in them
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...
Minimizing probate fees for Ontario wills
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...
Keep wills up to date to reflect family changes
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...
What are the grounds for contesting wills in Ontario?
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....
Family shut out of wills may seek variances
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...
Updating wills may not always be enough; new ones may be required
The passage of time almost always brings changes to people's lives. As a result, the plans made in the past may no longer reflect the present reality. In turn, this means future needs may not be met. When it comes to wills, it is important to keep them updated to...
Digital assets are sometimes forgotten when wills are written
A simple fact of the 21st century is that computer technology touches all our lives. Even people who would consider themselves to be non-techies probably leave larger digital footprints than they realize. For that reason, it is becoming increasingly important for...