Start By Creating an Inventory of What You Own You can do this by drawing a circle on a piece of paper. Everything you own fits into this circle. I call this your estate pie. The three slices in your estate pie are your Will Assets, your…
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Question: As executor of a parent’s estate, do you need insurance to protect you? James Daw’s Toronto Star article at moneyville.ca suggests one answer is ERAssure.com. I’ll give you more info to consider. But you must check out this company’s site. It’s a marketer’s dream. Study it…
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The other day, a client asked my advice about challenging a will. Her relative, let’s say it was an Uncle Fernando, had died 3 years ago without a spouse or children. Fernando had told everyone what was in his will: “I’m going to divide things equally among…
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By meeting privately, Alex’s lawyer can also investigate if there has been any financial, emotional or physical abuse of the father. Alex may be reluctant to discuss such matters with a relative in the room. For the elderly, a visit to a lawyer can make a difference….
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Lawyers have a duty to assess Jeremy’s father’s competency to make a will. This is a legal and ethical responsibility that lawyers have, especially in dealing with the elderly. Lawyers must be prepared to testify in court, if necessary, to defend the wills they prepare. This means…
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Most lawyers will explain to Alex, Jeremy’s father, why his son must wait in reception. Alex’s lawyer must meet with Alex alone so all information remains confidential. Alex must be free to ask questions about his intentions and options without anyone else in the room. The lawyer…
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“It’s important.” Jeremy said to his boss. “I need to take the afternoon off to take my 83-year-old father to see a lawyer to make his will.” When you take a person to a lawyer’s office, you need to understand the legal protocol. Even if you are…
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Hot summer days bring back memories of the sun and the family swimming at the beach. And when your family packs up for a summer trip, their safety is always your concern. You can protect your family with this quick estate planning review in a matter of…
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You are the advisor to Janet and her family. She has trusted you for a number of years. No surprise to you she asks you to be the executor of her estate. How should you respond? Here are 3 things to consider: Does your relationship give you…
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How can advisors avoid liability when doing estate planning? This issue always draws extra attention in professional meetings. I chaired a programme this week called, “Beyond Estate Planning Essentials” for the Ontario Bar Association. The audience of estate advisors included lawyers with private firms, and trust, tax…
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