Category Archives: Blog

IMPORTANT STEPS AND THE COLLECTION OF PROBATE TAX On January 1 2013 the amendments to the Ontario Estate Administration Tax (EAT and commonly known as Probate Tax) announced in the 2011 Ontario Budget became effective. There have been several audits … Continue reading →

WHAT IS ILA AND ITS ROLE IN REAL ESTATE DEALS? There are situations where one or more people involved in a real estate transaction will be required to obtain independent legal advice prior to the deal closing.

ESTATE ASSETS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND WHEN When beneficiaries of an estate come to see me, they often are not aware of the extent of the estate assets. A Will does not usually have the details of … Continue reading →

SEPARATION AND THE IMPACT ON ESTATE PLANNING It is important to review your estate planning upon separation from your spouse. Separation by itself will not have an effect on your Will or the distribution of your estate. Some of the … Continue reading →

GUARDIANSHIP – WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS? Parents who have children under the age of majority will naturally want to provide for them in their Wills. In addition to arranging their inheritance, most parents will want to name a guardian for … Continue reading →

  LIABILITY AND BUSINESS INCORPORATION There are many positive reasons to incorporate your business or professional practice. The main reason lawyers recommend clients consider incorporating is to limit personal liability with respect to the corporation’s actions. Unlike a sole proprietorship … Continue reading →

AUTOMATIC REVOCATION OF WILLS IS MANDATED BY LAW IN ONTARIO There are situations where a validly drawn will can be automatically revoked with no express intention on the part of the owner of the Will. The two most common situations … Continue reading →

INTESTACY AND VEHICLE OWNERSHIP If your spouse or loved one died without a Will and left behind vehicles registered in their name only, selling them after their death can be a tricky endeavor. In order to sell a vehicle, the … Continue reading →

FORMATTING ESTATE ACCOUNTS Executors of estates are required to keep detailed accounting records. These records include: • Original assets of the estate; • All capital and revenue received by the estate; • All capital and revenue paid out by the … Continue reading →

CPP DEATH BENEFIT AND HOW THE ESTATE NEEDS TO HANDLE IT If you have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (“CPP”), you will be entitled to a CPP death on your death. The amount of the death benefit will depend on … Continue reading →