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…
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Question 4 Do You Have a Conflict of Interest? Are you an estate executor and also an estate beneficiary? This is not, generally, a conflict of interest. But consider the circumstances below. How many different hats do you wear? One hat may be as executor wanting to…
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Question 3 Will there be lawsuits? Are you an Ontario estate executor? You must know this. How people interpret wills can lead to disagreements which are inevitable. Even in the best families, people don’t always agree. Disagreements can cause people to hire lawyers. You may be involved…
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Question 1 Is the Estate Broke? Most executors find being an executor is more work than they expected. No one ever warned them before they got involved. People wished they knew how much trouble being an executor was. Before you act, here’s what to ask first: Q…
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Being an executor may be an honour but it is also a job. It is a job you are not legally obligated to accept. Ask these questions about your risks. If you’re worried, seek legal advice about your options. Estate advice may reassure you or you may…
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That’s when Ontario executors call me for help. You may need help to resolve these Ontario estate issues involving: real estate owned by estates court disputes over wills accounting disputes claims against executors for alleged misconduct co-executor disputes income tax clearance issues informal estate distributions family law…
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If there are investments, you will need to prepare a prudent investment plan. If not, you could be held liable for losses on any stock portfolio. You must obtain a proper rate of return on estate investments. Don’t think you can just sell the stocks and put…
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Did the pandemic make you an Ontario executor? My condolences are in order if you have lost loved ones. Are you feeling lost? Read my free report Suddenly You’re An Ontario Executor available here as you start your Ontario executor journey. I’ll be writing about problems that…
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Everyone has an estate horror story to tell. And each estate is different. That is why executors can’t rely on checklists to protect themselves. I am starting a new series about the dangers Ontario Executors must be aware of to avoid trouble. Here is the second in…
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Estate trustees have investment duties. These duties are defined by courts, statutes and wills. Executors must invest estate funds as prudent investors. Let’s run through some key concepts. Executors don’t want to be sued personally for breach of trust. My new chapters on investment duties and breach…
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