It keeps happening again and again. Monica came into my office because she was in an estate dispute. She asked what she thought was a simple question, “Why bother making a will if wills are not valid?” My answer was simple. “You must ensure your will is…
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Read Part 1 of Anna’s, a common law spouse, story here. Anna claimed she had paid $25,000 which was half of the purchase price of the condominium. She should have become an owner of 50% of the condo. That was what Jason owed her according to Anna….
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Anna arrived at our law office after the funeral of Jason, her common-law spouse. Anna and Jason lived together for nearly 7 years. Anna cared for Jason during his cancer treatments. She supported Jason and paid the condo fees and mortgage on their condominium. The condominium, however,…
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In one case, deceased’s children could not agree who was to sell the family’s home for two years. On the day we appeared before a judge to decide who would list the home for sale, the siblings changed whom they would support. A new arrangement was made…
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This week I received a call from a relative of someone who died. After expressing my condolences, I asked if there was a will. The answer was the person refused to discuss wills with loved ones. The conversation shifted to me asking, what did this person have…
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Do you suffer from estate planning-itis? You may never know it. Has it infected you? It may or may not be contagious but can spread to your partner or spouse. Let me explain that a cure exists. Estate planning-itis is basically a fear of doing any estate…
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What are the costliest money mistakes you can make? Forget about what happens to your money when the real estate and stock markets collapse. The biggest blunder is not having an estate plan. Why is that? Everything you worked for during your entire life can be wiped…
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Problems can occur whenever someone else must try to interpret what you want done. If you don’t bother making an estate plan, the government will provide one by default. Their idea of what happens to your money leaves no room for your personal wishes, tax savings or…
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You know that everyone needs a will. But do you need trusts as well? Trusts can be created in your will and are useful for numerous purposes. You don’t have to be super wealthy or a rock star to benefit. Trusts can be used to benefit:• Minors•…
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There is a great deal of confusion about how to make wills. Clients are confused. They visit American estate planning websites where different estate and tax laws and are used. In some jurisdictions, digital wills are allowed. Here’s an example of what can go wrong in Ontario….
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