The Estate Blog - Edward Olkovich Law

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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Probate is Perplexing – Use these 10 Concepts to Enlighten Ontario Trustees

My probate tips will help Ontario estate trustees/executors understand probate. 1. Probate matters are handled by the Superior Court of Ontario. Everyone refers to this as the estate court or probate court. However, there is no longer a designated estate court. In Toronto, estate cases are assigned…
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Attorney in Ontario – Record Keeping Responsibilities

Clients who act for a person under a power of attorney must keep records. How long must attorneys keep their accounts and records? The deadlines under the regulation for retention are set out here: Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 Regulation 100/96 6. (1) Every attorney and guardian shall retain the…
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Healthy Executors are Not at Risk

Let me clarify that headline: All executors are at risk if they do not understand their legal duties. You can be attacked by estate beneficiaries, taken advantage of by smooth sales people, and even get sued. I encourage executors and estate trustees to get proper legal advice….
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Executors: Change the Locks to be Safe Not Sorry

Real estate creates a different set of responsibilities for estate executors. If you are the legal representative of an estate, consider the real estate issues in this post. It’s important to get the right legal advice to protect yourself. You never know who may have a key…
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Making Your Will – Where Do You Start?

Have you put off writing your will or thinking about estate planning? Perhaps you wanted to wait until you have had more time to ponder all your choices. At least that’s how you rationalized it. But if you don’t write a will, you cannot protect your family…
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Powers of Attorney – Your Golden Opportunity to Control Your Money

Last week, I appeared on television as an expert on powers of attorney. I’ll tell you about the show in a moment. First, I want to give you the three key benefits of having powers of attorney. Remember these benefits for yourself and your loved ones. Powers…
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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