The Estate Blog - Edward Olkovich Law

Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

From all of us at Edward Olkovich Law, best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday!

Thinking of Getting Married? Then know this…

Marriage no longer automatically revokes Ontario wills as of January 1, 2022. If you are planning your wedding, your estate plan needs to be updated. That includes your beneficiary designations, wills and powers of attorney. Keep reading to learn what else is new. You acquire new legal…
Read full article

Are You Contesting or Defending a Last Will? Then Consider These Suspicious Circumstances

Challenging a person’s last will successfully is becoming more difficult. This is based on my review of recent Ontario court decisions. Signs of dementia by the will maker do not automatically mean the will is invalid. Courts must uphold a person’s testamentary freedom to make their wills….
Read full article

What is Testamentary Capacity if You Contest an Ontario Last Will?

Lack of testamentary capacity can invalidate a person’s last will. I will explain “testamentary capacity” or TC. Will challengers need to provide courts with evidence to show a person lacked TC to set aside wills. You may find evidence of suspicious circumstances in a person’s last will….
Read full article

Discover More about the Season of Giving

Here is an invitation to all financial advisors. You may need to advise clients about charitable gift giving throughout the year. I hope you can join me on Tuesday, November 30 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation will hold a virtual networking and…
Read full article

What’s New in Ontario Estate Law as of January 2022

Take a moment to read my summary of changes in estate law. This is in the next release of Compensation & Duties of Estate Trustees, Guardians & Attorneys. Will Challenges The Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021, with numerous schedules, implemented changes in stages to the Succession…
Read full article

Can Ontario Spouses Stop the Sale of an Estate Home?

Are you like Marko? His spouse, Anna, died but did not mention him in her will. Marko asked my office for a meeting with me. I spoke with him on the phone before we met. I needed to know if I could help him. Otherwise, I would…
Read full article

Advice – Executors, Always Talk to an Estate Lawyer First

Albert didn’t bother talking to a lawyer. He wasn’t sure if he was playing it safe. Albert was executor of his uncle’s small estate. He didn’t realize, however, the size of the estate’s liabilities. His uncle’s RRSPs were transferred directly to his designated beneficiaries. Unknown to Albert,…
Read full article

Before Starting Your Job as Executor, Answer These 6 Quick Estate Questions Series

Question 6 Are there foreign or business assets? Wouldn’t it be nice to travel to Europe? What if the estate has assets in another province or country? Will you have time and ability to manage assets in other jurisdictions and with different legal requirements? Are you familiar…
Read full article

Before Starting Your Job as Executor, Answer These 6 Quick Estate Questions Series

Question 5 Is there real estate? Real estate is always a headache. Executors must keep real estate insured for fire and valuable contents. You must secure and inspect property. Can you change the locks? Can you access estate funds to pay insurance premiums? What if there is…
Read full article

Older posts

Newer posts

“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