Category: Estates

Ontario Executors New Estate Tax Duties

I will try to make this simple. Any talk of taxes usually can make you fall into a coma. But stay with me to avoid estate tax audits and costly penalties. Being an estate trustee in Ontario was complicated enough. As of January 1, 2015, the job…
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Bad Legal Advice Costs Executors Plenty

You’re the estate executor under a relative’s will. You found your uncle’s will and you need legal advice. You look for free advice online. You’re thinking all lawyers are the same. Any lawyer can give you estate advice. Well, let me explain how this thinking can cost…
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Executors Need to Remember These Estate Tax Tips

Are you an estate trustee, wondering if you need professional tax help? You may say, “Why bother? After all, I prepare my own personal tax returns.” The risks are too great to do it yourself. I recommend clients avoid these risks. Forget about doing estate tax returns…
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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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Are Probate Police Patrols Coming to Ontario?

You’ll have to wait for the answer to this question. The Ontario provincial election results may bring some answers. The public and professionals are in the dark. No one knows what is taxed under Ontario’s new probate tax rules. We are waiting for regulations to enlighten us….
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Executors Need to Use Blueprints

It can happen overnight – suddenly, you’re an executor. You are put in charge of an estate. You have to probate a will. You need answers to your questions. What is an executor supposed to do? What do good executors do first? As a Certified Specialist in…
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Follow These New Rules to Retain Estate Lawyers

Jerry was named in his father’s will as the estate executor. The will specified Jerry was to hire the father’s lawyer, Frank, to probate the will. But Jerry had a problem. He lived in North Bay and Frank, the father’s will lawyer, practiced in Toronto. Was Jerry…
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Why Executors Worry about… Digital Assets

Do you know what digital estate assets are? As an estate trustee, you have to secure estate property. This can include protecting valuable digital property. Here are some digital estate dos and don’ts for executors. Electronic or digital information can be a digital asset. It can be…
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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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