The Estate Blog

Why Use Lawyers to Prepare Wills

Are you still struggling to make your will without using a lawyer? Think you can do it yourself using an online service. No lawyer is involved online to provide advice. There are only dangers, not advantages, of not using lawyers to make your will. Let me describe…
Read full article

Executor Investments and Breach of Trust

Estate trustees have investment duties. These duties are defined by courts, statutes and wills. Executors must invest estate funds as prudent investors. Let’s run through some key concepts. Executors don’t want to be sued personally for breach of trust. My new chapters on investment duties and breach…
Read full article

Money Monitor: Leaving money to a secret beneficiary

Is it possible to ever truly leave money in secret to someone after you die? Experts say discreetly leaving inheritance money to someone can be tricky. Toronto estate lawyer Edward Olkovich says large amounts of money taken from a bank account could raise suspicion among loved ones….
Read full article

Stop Estate Beneficiary Costly Mistakes

Jonathan called me because his uncle Peter died. “What rights do I have as a beneficiary under Peter’s will? When do beneficiaries need to get legal advice?” “This is a common question when someone dies,” I said. “Your legal rights depend on if you are named in…
Read full article

In many estates the house may be the most valuable asset. Executors need to reduce the risks involved in managing real estate. Here is a checklist for some of the tricky things to consider. Remember this: As executor, you need more than a checklist to protect yourself….
Read full article

This is my last post in my series Choose Executors Wisely. Here are my previous 4 posts: Make Sure Your Executor Isn’t Dracula The Right Executors Save You Money Choosing Who Protects Your Money Made Easy Who is the Right Person to Protect Your Money Bad executors…
Read full article

This is the 4th post in my series on choosing the right executors. You worked hard and saved your money. What will happen when you are gone? Don’t let the wrong executor blow it all. Executors protect your stuff for your loved ones and your favourite charitable…
Read full article

This is my third post on how to choose the right executor. Read Make Sure Your Executor Isn’t Dracula and The Right Executors Save You Money. You appoint an executor to manage your estate for your loved ones. I’ll share my secrets to get the right choice…
Read full article

Who Cares About Fiduciary Duties and Trust?

Are you an estate beneficiary or expect to become one? Then you have to trust executors to deliver your inheritance. And executors, you can’t do your job without understanding your fiduciary duties. Are you waiting to inherit or are you an executor? Here’s what you need to…
Read full article

The Right Executors Save You Money

When you make or change your will, you must name an executor. Executors are in charge of all your stuff when you’re gone. It’s easy enough to do. You come up with a name or two. But that does not mean you won’t make mistakes. Yes, executor…
Read full article

Phone 416 769 - 9800 Email Us Email