#9 Can You Dodge Probate? Probate need not be perplexing. Probate comes from the Latin verb probare, to prove. As for what probate is, that’s one of the most difficult questions I must answer when a member of the media interviews me. There is no sound bite…
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Suddenly, you learn you are the executor of an estate. Don’t expect to find neat and up-to-date files called, “My Estate Inventory” or “For My Executor”. Few people are that organized. You must, instead, act like a detective. Remember, you are handling another person’s valuables. Be ready…
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As an executor/estate trustee in Ontario, you face many challenges. Here are some tips to help you. As a fiduciary, you have obligations to creditors and beneficiaries alike. You must act as a neutral even if you are beneficiary yourself. That means you cannot give yourself priority…
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If you are stuck or don’t know where to begin as an Ontario estate executor, read this post. No single roadmap works for every estate journey. Each estate, large or small, has different assets, beneficiaries and tax issues. These variables create their own list of dos and…
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Are you an Ontario executor or estate trustee? This role is often considered an honour, but also a thankless job. However, by law, estate trustees are entitled to receive compensation for their care and trouble. Unless, that is, the will that appoints them specifies otherwise. There is…
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Are you involved in an estate? You may be nervous, stressed, and overwhelmed. You do not want to make costly mistakes or need to start over. Welcome to MrWills.com. I am Ed Olkovich, an author, lawyer, and Certified Estate Specialist. I know every estate has different challenges…
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Are you the executor of an estate that owns real estate in Toronto? Any real estate in Toronto is likely worth a million dollars or more. So this question should interest you. Here is my answer. The one thing every executor of a million-dollar estate must do…
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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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