The Estate Blog - Edward Olkovich Law

Don’t Make These Costly Beneficiary Mistakes When Writing Wills

Doreen was making her first will after her divorce. She thought she knew who to leave everything to. I asked her, “What happens if a catastrophe occurs? What if a beneficiary dies before you or with you? Who are your backup beneficiaries?” You likely know who your…
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Dying Without a Will in Ontario Is Dangerous to Your Wealth

Laura was in a panic after her sister, Sue, died without a will. She called me because she needed to arrange Sue’s funeral. Laura lived outside of Ontario and planned to take a week off work. “I have to handle my late sister Sue’s estate. I hope…
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American Bar Association’s Probate Magazine Profiles Lawyer Edward Olkovich

Edward F. Olkovich was featured in Probate & Property magazine. His bio appears in the 2017 November-December issue of the magazine, a publication of the Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section of the American Bar Association. Read Ed’s profile as it appears in the issue. …
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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…
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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…
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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….
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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…
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Executor Checklist to Sell Ontario Estate Property

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….
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How to Choose the Right Executors

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…
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Who is the Right Person to Protect Your Money?

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…
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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