estate planning for common law spouses Archives

Ontario Common Law Spouses Who Are Disinherited Still Have the Right to Fight Back

Ontario’s inheritance laws discriminate against common law spouses. You do not, by law, automatically inherit anything as a married spouse does when you partner dies. You and your partner must plan for your needs and to make a will. I’ll explain how you can fight back if…
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New Estate Remedies for Ontario Common Law Spouses: Joint Family Ventures – Part 2

Are you a surviving common law partner? Common law spouses often have to fight to get a share of a deceased’s partner’s property. This is because Ontario does not automatically give cohabiting partners a share of property. Married partners in Ontario have certain automatic rights to share…
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Common-law Spouses – Unjustly Enriched?

Let me describe what the Kerr v Baranow case means for common-law spouses. Common-law spouses do not get property rights unless they make a claim, or are provided for adequately in an estate plan. Common-law spouses must sue their partners’ estate and make a claim for unjust…
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Why Are Common-law Spouses Dangerous?

Canada’s Supreme Court has issued a warning for estate advisors. You need to become familiar with the concept of joint family venture. In February 2011 in the Kerr v. Baranow case, the Supreme Court clarified claims that can be made by common-law spouses. The decision affects you…
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Does Your Will Provide for Your Common-law Spouse?

Did your will give any property or support to your common-law spouse? You can expect lawyers to challenge your estate plan if that amount is inadequate. That’s the point I made during a recent call-in program on Wayne Baxter’s Right On the Money show for Zoomer radio,…
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Common-law Spouses – Why You Need to Revise Your Will

The old rules for common-law spouses no longer apply for estate planning. You may have not worried about mentioning your common-law spouse in your will. Your lawyer may have told you it was safer not to give your common-law partner anything. You may have even tried to cut your…
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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

Edward Olkovich Law Certified Specialist, Estates and Trust Law

Tag: estate planning for common law spouses