The Ontario Wills, Estates, and Family Law Blog

Appointing a non-resident as your executor? Here is what you need to know about administrative bonds.

23 Sep 2020

Acting as an executor (estate trustee) can be a daunting and challenging task in the best of times. The requirement for an administrative or estate...

Thinking of buying a cottage during COVID-19? This blog is for you!

20 Jul 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic will leave significant damage to many sectors of the Canadian economy in its wake. One sector that appears to be not only...

Planning for your Vacation Home Away from Home

18 Feb 2020

As we are well into the coldest month in Canada, many Canadians seek refuge in warmer climates. For many, a brief escape from the cold...

Share your Thoughts on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Today

22 Jan 2020

The Government of Canada has invited all Canadians to share their thoughts on medical assistance in dying (“MAID”) by completing a brief Questionnaire. You have...

Changes to Ontario’s Probate Fees

17 Jan 2020

Ontario has some of the highest probate fees in Canada. A small reduction was announced in last year’s budget and took effect on January 1,...

5 Steps to Make Things Easier for Your Executor

09 Jan 2020

We’ve heard it said that acting as an executor is one of the hardest jobs that you never applied for. It is also one for...

Substitute Decision-Making for Property

17 Dec 2019

In a blog posted last week, we explored the different types of substitute decision-makers that can be appointed with respect to personal care. In this...

Charitable Giving in Your Estate Plan

16 Dec 2019

“CHRISTMAS IS THE SPIRIT OF GIVING WITHOUT A THOUGHT OF GETTING. IT IS HAPPINESS BECAUSE WE SEE JOY IN PEOPLE. IT IS FORGETTING SELF AND...

Substitute Decision-Making for Personal Care

13 Dec 2019

When we think of estate planning, we often focus on the importance of signing a Will. However, planning for one’s possible incapacity is another critical...

“Divorce Day”?

02 Dec 2019

In the U.K., the first Monday back from the Christmas holidays is what is know as “Divorce Day”. This is the day when lawyers report...

Top 3 things to consider if you have been putting off getting (or revising) a Will

26 Nov 2019

We think it’s fair to say that most people are aware that they should have a Will. And yet, time and time again, studies show...

Fun Will Facts for ‘Make a Will’ Month

08 Nov 2019

As we blogged earlier this week, November is ‘Make a Will’ month. We thought we would share some fun Will facts to end the work week...

Do you have a Will? Don’t Delay…November is ‘Make a Will’ Month!

05 Nov 2019

To bring awareness to the importance of having a Will, the Ontario Bar Association has declared November to be ‘Make a Will’ month. What a...

Canadian Neighbours Go To Battle Over Maple Tree

15 Oct 2019

What could be more beautiful than a Thanksgiving weekend in Canada? Our maple trees are truly spectacular during this “Fall Rhapsody” time of year. And what...

Start discussing access over the holidays now!

03 Oct 2019

In case you haven’t yet started your countdown to Christmas, it is only 83 days away. The holiday season will be upon us before we...