When a client calls and makes this request, what do you say? Giving your client an executor checklist is of limited benefit. It is also a tactical mistake. What your client really needs is a strategy to help them. That’s why I wrote Executor Kung Fu: Master…
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You can use mediation to save thousands of dollars in legal fees. Many clients do not understand how mediation can settle their legal disputes. That explains why I have started a new series on mediation. Mediation can mean the difference between success and failure. You need to,…
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I am going to talk to you about money. Money is what people fight over. Sure, they may use other excuses, but what everything boils down to is money or what it represents. My perspective, as a lawyer, is different. I do estate planning but also help…
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It’s summer and everyone gets invited to a wedding. Did you know that a marriage revokes all wills? There are exceptions for those wills expressly made in contemplation of marriage to a new spouse. In a Second Marriage Marriage creates new property, support and tax rights for…
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Key 7: Take Action Now John and Jillian, both in their 30s, were going on vacation. They were leaving behind Heather, their five-year old daughter, for the first time. Suddenly they realized that they had no will, guardian, or trust set up for their daughter. They needed…
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Key 6: Protect Yourself Today Brian was 82 and trusted his neighbour’s son, Tim. Tim ran errands for Brian, including buying his groceries and medications. Brian would also get Tim to cash his cheques for him at the bank. One day the bank suggested that Brian add…
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Key 5: Stop People from Fighting Over Your Money Jack worked hard to earn his money as the owner of a small printing business. “I can do whatever I want with my money!” he said. Do you think Jack is right? You may not realize that people…
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Key 4: Choose Executors to Handle Your Estate Imagine you have a daughter, Ann, an accountant, who lives far away on the west coast. You have another child, Bob, still living at home with you. Who should be the executor to guard your estate? Should it be…
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Key 3: Quickly Prepare a Proper Will Simon had no clue how to divide up his estate. He was going on a trip to Dallas and wanted to make a will before he left. He wondered, “If I leave $25,000 to Billy and $25,000 to Sally, will…
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Key 2: Avoid Falling Into Major Tax Traps Do you know the biggest tax mistake you can make? Neither did Karl, a 72-year-old mechanic who was set to undergo open-heart surgery. Karl told his lawyer to register his children as joint owners on the title to his…
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