The Estate Blog - Edward Olkovich Law

Joint Family Ventures and Common Law Spouses’ Legal Claims

The word joint pops up in all the posts this week. I am sharing stories to explain the word’s different legal meanings. “Joint” now has new importance for domestic partners. Your common law partner has rights to your property if a joint family venture exists. Are you…
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The Dangers of Jointly Owning Property

Joint ownership of property, even within your family, can create legal problems. Consider – and remember – this story about Karl. He went to a hospital for open heart surgery. Karl decided to put his Florida condo into the names of his four grandchildren. He thought this…
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Joint Tenancy v. Tenants in common – What’s the Difference?

What are Jointly Owned Assets? Joint assets could include a jointly owned home or a joint bank account. Your partner, spouse or child could jointly own these assets with you. Joint owners have legal rights of survivorship. This means a joint asset passes on death to the…
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How Joint Liability Creates Estate Problems

I am talking about Joint and Several liability in an estate context today. Let’s look at the joint liability of executors, or estate trustees, in estates. Next, I‘ll give you dangers you can avoid when making powers of attorney. Estate Executors Let’s say you and your cousin…
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“Joint and Several” True Meaning Revealed

Do you find the phrase “joint and several” confusing? These are dangerous words to misunderstand. They show up frequently in various legal documents. Let me share some stories that reveal the true meaning of these words. Joint means sharing, and in this story it means shared ownership….
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Father’s Day Questions to Avoid Arguments

All happy families resemble one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. – Leo Tolstoy Here are some tips to avoid arguments over money on Father’s Day. The worst arguments happen when dad (or mom) is no longer in the picture. See which of…
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New Estate Rights for Common Law Spouses

Could you be in a joint family venture? Diane was a common law spouse suffering because of a broken promise. She came into my law office looking for help. She had lived with her common law spouse, Fred, for 14 years. They shared the purchase price of…
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Mother’s Day Advice: Doctor Says She’s Okay to Sign Her Will?

People ask me this all the time. Usually Mom has left the hospital and people ask me if I make house calls. Here’s what you need to know if you must call a lawyer for your parent. When your father or mother signs their will, they must…
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Legal Costs Drowning Executors Personally

Are you are an executor caught in a challenge to a will? You need to learn the role you must play. Executors must remain neutral. You cannot take sides in a dispute or you put yourself at risk. You can be personally responsible for the legal court…
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Celebrity Estates: Was Whitney Houston Prepared?

Those who survive her may have their doubts. She never expected to leave life’s stage prematurely at 48. As a parent it was her responsibility to have an estate plan. Regardless of your wealth you face the same questions as Whitney Houston. Test your own preparedness by…
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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