The Estate Blog - Edward Olkovich Law

How Do You Reduce Tax with Estate Planning?

Taxes are always confusing. Tax laws change daily. How are you going to stay on top of all this? You must rely on professionals to give you proper advice. Paying taxes can eat up your estate’s assets and destroy your dreams for your family. You can, however,…
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Estate Planning Quick Start

Start By Creating an Inventory of What You Own You can do this by drawing a circle on a piece of paper. Everything you own fits into this circle. I call this your estate pie. The three slices in your estate pie are your Will Assets, your…
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Executor Insurance from ERAssure.com – Marketing Mavens or What

Question: As executor of a parent’s estate, do you need insurance to protect you? James Daw’s Toronto Star article at moneyville.ca suggests one answer is ERAssure.com. I’ll give you more info to consider. But you must check out this company’s site. It’s a marketer’s dream. Study it…
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Can You Contest a Will? Unlucky 13

The other day, a client asked my advice about challenging a will. Her relative, let’s say it was an Uncle Fernando, had died 3 years ago without a spouse or children. Fernando had told everyone what was in his will: “I’m going to divide things equally among…
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Breach of Executor’s Duty

Any breach of executor’s duty can result in a charge of misconduct against them. Here’s a short list to remind you of possible executor breaches of fiduciary duty: • financial negligence handling estate assets causing loss • failure to properly invest estate assets • failure to complete…
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5 Estate Planning Weaknesses

Estate planning is confusing and many people want to avoid lawyers. Many advisors fall into a trap of trying to oblige the client. This can lead to several weaknesses in estate planning, which I’ll explain. Estate planners, unlike lawyers, cannot tell you what to do when…
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Estate Planners – Has Your Life Expectancy Increased?

Here’s an interesting short video to find the answer. Watch IE.TV with Steve Krupicz, an actuarial consultant with Manulife Financial Corporation. He describes the new actuarial tables on life expectancy increasing by 1.7 years. It’s recorded by Investment Executive, at this link. Krupicz uses an example of…
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Elder Abuse Is Real

By meeting privately, Alex’s lawyer can also investigate if there has been any financial, emotional or physical abuse of the father. Alex may be reluctant to discuss such matters with a relative in the room. For the elderly, a visit to a lawyer can make a difference….
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Not Everyone Can Make a Will

Lawyers have a duty to assess Jeremy’s father’s competency to make a will. This is a legal and ethical responsibility that lawyers have, especially in dealing with the elderly. Lawyers must be prepared to testify in court, if necessary, to defend the wills they prepare. This means…
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Estate Planning Questions Lawyers Ask In Private

Most lawyers will explain to Alex, Jeremy’s father, why his son must wait in reception. Alex’s lawyer must meet with Alex alone so all information remains confidential. Alex must be free to ask questions about his intentions and options without anyone else in the room. The lawyer…
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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