Category: Wills

Not Everyone Can Make a Will

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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Estate Planning Questions Lawyers Ask In Private

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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Helping Your Parents Make a Will

“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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How to Keep Your Family Safe This Summer

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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Executors: Do you Really Want the Risk?

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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Estate Advisors – Are You Protected?

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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Is There a Cure for Executor’s Disease™?

Do you play any sports? Maybe golf, tennis, or soccer? Each sport is played with a different set of rules. Unless you understand the rules, you cannot win. Similarly, you must understand the rules for protecting your money and family. Unless you understand the fundamentals, you will…
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Your Free, Easy Estate Planning Guide

I just finished drafting a new report called, Protect Your Family Today – Your Easy Estate Planning Recipe. It is an easy estate planning guide. In it, I explain how and why you are responsible for protecting your family. I’ve made it easy with 3 steps: Step…
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How Estate Smart Are You? Part 2 of 2

Welcome to Part 2 of How Estate Smart Are You? Test yourself by selecting True or False for each question. Read the answers below. 6.     I can change my will by initialling the changes on the original documents. True □  False □ 7.     My spouse…
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