Clients ask me if it is okay for their adult children to use online will providers to make their own wills. The answer is not complicated, but you must know why. First, let me make two disclaimers: You can have your financial planner answer questions about estate…
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When should you invest in a lawyer-prepared will? Should you make one now, when you buy and house, or have a child? What is the goal of your estate plan? Why do I ask about your estate planning? Because I believe you do it for the people…
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Do you need court approval of your management of a person’s affairs? This may mean you are a guardian, an attorney for property or an estate executor. Are you looking to have your compensation confirmed? If so, you may need to pass your accounts in court. What…
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The Estate Administration Tax (EAT) in Ontario is essentially what was previously called Ontario’s probate tax. When a person dies with assets in Ontario, whether or not there is a valid will, EAT is payable when estate court certificates are required. Ontario’s government charges a provincial estate…
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Since the pandemic, more people have been concerned about securing their family’s future with wills. But do-it-yourself wills or online will websites may not be the best way to secure your family’s future. In my blog, 5 Reasons You Need a Professionally Prepared Will, I highlight reasons…
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#14 Executors File Your Income Tax Returns and Pay Your Taxes – or Else Here are four key income tax concepts that are vital for your estate planning. On death, certain types of income receive different tax treatment. They may be reported by filing separate tax returns,…
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#13 You Can Have Multiple Wills Yes, you can have more than one will. This strategy is vital in dealing with business and foreign assets. In some cases, you can reduce Estate Administration Tax (EAT) taxes in Ontario by having multiple wills. However, having multiple wills is…
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Here are five reasons why you should avoid cookie-cutter wills from online will providers. If you or your family have these special circumstances or needs, I recommend that you speak with a professional in your jurisdiction to prepare your will. Do not try to do estate planning…
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A recent article in the Globe and Mail by famous author, Tim Cestnick, outlined 3 reasons wills can create problems. Tim explained why many wills are commonly challenged. Wills are legal documents that judges must validate – meaning that wills must comply with Ontario laws. In Ontario,…
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#12 What You Need to Know About Canadian Income Taxes on Death At the time of your death, you are considered to dispose of all your capital property (for example, real estate, stocks or jewelry) at fair market value of that time. This is what the government…
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