Category: Wills

Why Are Common-law Spouses Dangerous?

Canada’s Supreme Court has issued a warning for estate advisors. You need to become familiar with the concept of joint family venture. In February 2011 in the Kerr v. Baranow case, the Supreme Court clarified claims that can be made by common-law spouses. The decision affects you…
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Does Your Will Provide for Your Common-law Spouse?

Did your will give any property or support to your common-law spouse? You can expect lawyers to challenge your estate plan if that amount is inadequate. That’s the point I made during a recent call-in program on Wayne Baxter’s Right On the Money show for Zoomer radio,…
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Common-law Spouses – Why You Need to Revise Your Will

The old rules for common-law spouses no longer apply for estate planning. You may have not worried about mentioning your common-law spouse in your will. Your lawyer may have told you it was safer not to give your common-law partner anything. You may have even tried to cut your…
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Common-law Spouses – New Dangers Discovered

Canada’s Supreme Court has issued a wake-up call for common-law spouses. The law has changed based on decisions released February 2011. If you are a common-law spouse, you may not realize it but you have no legislative rights to inherit property in Ontario. In Kerr v. Baranow,…
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Estate Planning and Second Marriages: 3 Must-Know Tips

Tip #1 Remember that your marriage automatically revokes any previous will in Ontario. This is not the case in every jurisdiction, but if you don’t make a new will in Ontario, the government makes one for you. The government can then: determine who is in control of…
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Some Surprising Statistics

Wondering why you haven’t carried out your estate planning resolutions yet? According to one survey of 831 lawyers in the U.S., you may not be alone. WealthCounsel, a nationwide organization of estate planning attorneys, in its January 2011 (Trusts & Estates) magazine summarized the key finding that…
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Estate Planning: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

What’s the difference between a good, bad, or ugly estate plan? Your answer may differ if you are the person creating the disastrous estate plan or a victim of poor planning. If you are a victim of bad estate planning, you have a different perspective. You could…
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Making Estate Planning Simple

My approach to estate planning is different. My purpose is to help you understand the essentials. You can take simple steps to protect your family and money. My aim is to help you with your estate planning purpose. Your money should go straight to the people you…
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Will Your Family Be Caught Unprepared in 2011?

Here is the easiest Estate Planning resolution you can keep. It’ll make sure that your family and your money are protected. Take this quiz. It’s part of my book, Breakthrough Estate Planning: Finding All The Answers You’ll Ever Need. I have included it here for your benefit….
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Estate Planning Resolutions

Here are 3 estate planning resolutions you can keep. Use them to protect your family and to give you peace of mind. 1. Make a will – resolve to invest in a professionally-prepared will. The cost of this investment, spread out over a number of years offers 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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