The Estate Blog - Edward Olkovich Law

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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Ask Ed: When Estate Planning Clients Disinherit

Mary wants to cut out a niece from her will. Is this a simple matter? According to Mary, it is a simple change. She can prepare a one page document herself and have her neighbours sign as witnesses. Is she correct? What would a lawyer do when…
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Ask Ed: Estate Planning Dangers When Codicils Change Wills

Submit your estate questions here. I will select and answer them on my blog. I will not mention names if you wish to remain anonymous. Advisor Question: Clients ask what’s involved in updating or changing a will. It should be an inexpensive and simple process, right? Ed’s answer:…
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Ask Ed: Estate Planning Will Problems

Advisor’s question: When my client died, she no longer owned the stocks named in her will. What happens to the gift? Ed’s Answer: It depends on the wording of the will. In many cases, the gift is said to have adeemed. That means it is lost. For…
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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