Articles & Resources
Advantages of Retaining an Estate Lawyer
When you are appointed executor of an estate, there are many advantages to retaining an estate lawyer to assist you with your duties. In particular, if you do not have experience preparing the necessary documents to be filed with the court in order to obtain Letters Probate, you may find that the process is overwhelming […]
Bare Trusts
Time to Pay Attention to Bare Trusts What is a Bare Trust? A bare trust is a trust relationship characterized by the following hallmarks: One Example of a Bare Trust A common reframe we hear from our more senior clients is the desire to avoid probate fees when they pass away. Jointly-held assets are not […]
Hot Topics in Estate Planning Continued
We often hear about how we should be working on our “estate planning”. But what does that really mean? It is important to recognize that “estate planning” is about more than just making your Will. There are actually a number of factors that go into the creation of a successful plan. This article highlights a […]
Hot Topics in Estate Planning
We often hear about how we should be working on our “estate planning”. But what does that really mean? It is important to recognize that “estate planning” is about more than just making your Will. There are actually a number of factors that go into the creation of a successful plan. This article highlights a […]
How to raise the subject of a prenuptial agreement
A prenuptial or cohabitation agreement specifies how property shall be distributed or divided in the event of a separation or divorce. Such an agreement can also specify entitlement to spousal support. Without an agreement in place, any property that either spouse has an interest in may be subject to a claim by their spouse. In […]
The Discretionary Family Trust – Still Advantageous for Farmers
Many farmers may have heard about the “tax rollover” rules and the Capital Gains Exemption (“CGE”) rules in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Act”). If applicable, these rules may create beneficial tax positions when a person transfers shares of a farming corporation to their child or to a third party. The use of these […]