The Estate Blog - Edward Olkovich Law

Avoid Expensive Will Mistakes

Most people want advice. They already have too much information and need help making better decisions. You need to do some homework to make your will. Get a referral to an experienced estate lawyer from professionals you already know and trust. I have written numerous easy-to-read books…
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Wills: Should You Do It Yourself?

Are you tempted to use a kit to create your will? The danger with will kits is that they claim to be "legally approved." Well, that's hardly accurate. Only lawyers can express a legal opinion on a will after you sign it. Will kits or computer programs…
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Executor Income Tax Duties

As the legal representative for an estate, executors must do 5 things: 1. File all required tax returns for the deceased. These returns could be personal or for the deceased’s business. Multiple tax returns can sometimes be filed to save the estate money. 2. Hire a tax…
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10 Reasons to Make Changes to Your Will

If you have a will, here are some reasons to update it: 1. You divorce, separate or cohabit with a new partner. 2. Children are born, adopted or you need new guardians. 3. You now have grandchildren or stepchildren. 4. A person named in your will becomes…
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What Are the Three Estate Planning Documents You Need?

Your Estate Plan has a variety of tools, including these three documents: 1) Will to name executors to distribute your property. 2) Power of Attorney for your financial affairs. 3) Power of Attorney for health-care decisions. You may be nervous about dealing with lawyers and professionals. But…
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The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Creating your Estate Plan will help you put your worries behind you. You benefit when you: • Protect valuable assets for the people you love. • Reduce income and probate taxes without risk. • Name the right person you trust for every job. • Ensure that your…
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Use These Estate Planning Steps to Protect Your Family

Let’s look at the six steps you should take to create an estate plan. This will protect you and your loved ones from disaster: 1. Get Ready — Identify your goals, assets and debts. 2. Save Taxes — Find ways to reduce income taxes and probate taxes….
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Are You at Risk?

Your loved ones could be at risk. Use this checklist to make sure you have protected them. Answer each question with a "yes" or "no" response. 1. I have a written plan to protect loved ones if something happens to me. 2. I have named executors plus…
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Your Estate Planning Summary

Here is a summary of what your Estate Plan does to save you time and money. It will help you organize your thoughts for when you meet your lawyer. Let’s look at the essential documents you’ll need: 1. Will • Names an executor and backup executor • …
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Ontario Power of Attorney Problems

Ask Ed: Submit your estate questions to EstateTherapy.com Advisor Question: Are Home-Made Powers of Attorney Dangerous? Ed’s Answer: Power of Attorney (POA) fraud is common. I no longer recommend that people rely on do-it-yourself power of attorney forms or kits. I‘ll explain the risk, and why clients…
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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