The Estate Blog - Edward Olkovich Law

“Wills and Estate Planning” with Ed Olkovich

Event Notice: On Tuesday, February 11th, 2014 at Brentwood Library, Ed Olkovich will share his expert tips about making a will. For more information, click here: TPL Wills and Estate Planning – Money Matters – Feb 11 2014.

New Estate Remedies for Ontario Common Law Spouses: Joint Family Ventures – Part 2

Are you a surviving common law partner? Common law spouses often have to fight to get a share of a deceased’s partner’s property. This is because Ontario does not automatically give cohabiting partners a share of property. Married partners in Ontario have certain automatic rights to share…
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Ontario Rules on Estate Administration

When a person dies with a will in Ontario, what happens? The will usually names executors. In Ontario, executors are called estate trustees with a will. They have authority to deal with estate matters. In some cases, they may not need to probate the will. What does…
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Ontario Power of Attorney for Property Options under the Ontario Substitute Decisions Act, 1992

Imagine Kevin, a scruffy-looking fellow walks into your bank on a Monday morning. He tells your bank manger he needs to use your Power of Attorney (POA). He wants to move all your money into his own bank account. He says he needs to do this immediately….
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Ontario Executors: Beware New Claims to Estate Property

Once upon a time, Jack and Nicole lived together in Jack’s house. They both worked to pay off Jack’s mortgage. Then they decided to have children. Nicole gave up her job to raise the twins. Jack made a bundle in a computer business, which he sold for…
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New Estate Remedies for Ontario’s Common Law Spouses: Joint Family Ventures – Part 1

What’s the difference between a friend, a family member and a lover? All three have different rights to share in estate property. How can you be affected by these rights? It depends if you are an estate executor, estate beneficiary or surviving common law spouse. Here are…
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Can Mediation Resolve Estate Disputes?

Clients wonder how mediation works in estate cases. As an estate lawyer, I use mediation to resolve clients’ estate disputes. Want to learn more about mediation? Read this preliminary letter I sent to Joan (a fictional client) before her mediation. Dear Joan, You will be…
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Event Announcement: Please Don’t Sue the Executor

On Wednesday, October 2, 2013, Ed Olkovich will be sharing his secrets and shortcuts to probating estates with the Toronto Chapter of the Certified General Accountants of Ontario. Topics to be covered include: 1. STOP (Standard Trustee Operating Procedure); 2. Reducing risk for clients while protecting yourself…
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Executors: What to Do if the Will is Confusing

Are you are an executor acting under a will? Wills can contain ambiguous, contradictory or impossible terms. In this post, I’ll give you some tips on handling such will problems. You need to understand what the will requires you to do as executor. It is crucial for…
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Executors: Do You Need to Probate All Wills?

As estate trustee, here are some things you must know about wills: 1. Wills are legal documents. 2. Wills are subject to scrutiny and legal interpretation. 3. Wills can be declared invalid by a court. What happens if Jack’s 2013 will is contested in court? The court…
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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