Category: Contesting a Will

New Trends to Know if You’re Challenging Ontario Wills

Here are factors courts consider before giving directions to contest a will. Courts have duties to the deceased will maker who is not before the court. 1. Personal DisclosureThe deceased person cannot argue against the release of their private medical, financial, or legal files (disclosure orders). Usually,…
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The New Threshold Question to Answer Before You Contest Wills in Ontario

What does a threshold have to do with losing your inheritance? If you have been disinherited by a will, then you need to know something about thresholds that are used in estate cases. Ontario courts now require that you have a minimum of evidence to contest a…
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“Anything Goes” is Not the Rule When You Are Making Your Last Will

In our post-pandemic world, it often seems like there are no rules for anything. It reminds me of the Cole Porter hit everyone knows, “Anything Goes”. But anything goes is not the rule when it comes to making your last will. Do you know what your moral…
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Here’s How Ontario Courts Decide Who Pays Your Legal Costs in Estate Lawsuits

Are you involved in an estate lawsuit? You’ll want to know who ultimately pays for your legal fees (costs). It’s a simple question. Let me make my answer simple. Courts follow a two-step process to decide who pays costs. A recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision explains…
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Are You Contesting or Defending a Last Will? Then Consider These Suspicious Circumstances

Challenging a person’s last will successfully is becoming more difficult. This is based on my review of recent Ontario court decisions. Signs of dementia by the will maker do not automatically mean the will is invalid. Courts must uphold a person’s testamentary freedom to make their wills….
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What is Testamentary Capacity if You Contest an Ontario Last Will?

Lack of testamentary capacity can invalidate a person’s last will. I will explain “testamentary capacity” or TC. Will challengers need to provide courts with evidence to show a person lacked TC to set aside wills. You may find evidence of suspicious circumstances in a person’s last will….
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Avoid Costly Mistakes Contesting Wills in Ontario

Are you losing sleep because you lost an inheritance? You may be upset because you were cut out of the will. Rushing off to the court may not be best thing to do. I’ll explain three costly mistakes you don’t want to make. Will disputes are complex,…
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Jointly Owned Property Challenged in Court

Do you expect to inherit a joint bank account? Then you’ll want to know what happened to Wendy. Wendy needed to a lawyer to fight for a joint account she held with Larry. When Larry died, Wendy thought she would inherit the $64,000 in their joint account….
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You Probably Don’t Know these 5 Dangers of Joint Ownership

Joint ownership, even with family, can create legal problems. Here are five dangers you must be aware of. Review this list before you consider holding property in joint ownership with anyone, including children. 1. Disaster Joint owners can refuse to cooperate when you need to deal with…
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Are Joint Bank Accounts Really Evil?

Do joint accounts really create more evil than good? What if your surviving joint owner has to hire a court lawyer to get the money? There are pros and cons to joint bank accounts. Joint bank accounts are simple will substitutes. Your surviving joint owner inherits the…
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“I want to thank Ed and his firm for getting me through a very difficult time. He was recommended to me by another lawyer and I am grateful for that recommendation. Ed kept me grounded, listened to me, counseled me and supported me. I do so appreciate that. And he is worth every penny. Thank you!” - Claudia R, Toronto

“Thank you for your professional advice and lawyering while I was planning my will, all accompanied with your patience and a sense of humour.” - Valerie G, Toronto

“Ed is a "straight shooter" who tells it like it is and helps you make the best possible decisions in your circumstances. I've personally seen the "magic" he can work in an estate and recommend him without reservation to anyone who wants an iron clad will or estate advice and management that saves money, frayed nerves and friendships.” - Jim R, Burlington

I have used Edward Olkovich for my own Will and I was the executor of my Brother-in-law’s will. My brother-in-law had a terminal illness and Edward had us devise his Will to minimize taxes and problems. Ed is located locally @ Jane and Bloor. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and thorough and has written many books on the subject. - Belinda M, Toronto

Ed is a thorough, responsive estates lawyer who I would recommend to anyone when needing a will or dealing with estate issues. - Eva S, Toronto

Dear Ed and “Team Olkovich” “Thank you for your knowledge, expertise and hard work to make our executor duties (almost) stress-free. Will miss the laughs and stories you tell so well. All our appreciation always!” - Pat, Dave & John, Toronto

Dear Ed, Thank you for all your wisdom and kindness throughout the process of settling Ann’s Estate. - Cheryl, Toronto

“The easiest professional I had to deal with to settle my parents’ needs was Ed. I told him what we needed. He was gracious with his advice and help - without delaying matters.” - Iain N., Toronto

“Magic! The guy knows magic!” - Steve G., Toronto

“In the land of estate law, Ed is King.” - Cheryl W., Toronto

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