In my post, Explaining Common Will Clauses – Part 1, I covered some common legal terms used in wills. Janet now asks, “What is the difference between executor and estate trustee?” Executor or Estate Trustee? The gender-neutral term used today is estate trustee. For simplicity, the word…
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As an Ontario estate trustee, you will be learning new skills. You may not be aware of how little you know about estate matters and taxes. However, the time you spend learning these skills in an estate administration is something that you are entitled to be compensated…
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Were you named as Ontario estate trustee or estate executor? You may think this is an honour, as most people do. You may have been asked if you would handle an estate for a friend or relative. The job of being an estate trustee is often thankless…
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What does it cost to replace an estate executor? The costs are horrendous. Make sure you name a backup executor in your will. To remove an executor, you require a court order. Courts must agree there are grounds for removal. Hopefully you will name an alternative executor…
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Courts must remove estate executors by court order. A decision in 2024 by Justice B.A. MacFarlane (Deziel v. Deziel, 2024 ONSC 5279) outlined these principles for successful removal. [80] The Ontario Court of Appeal in the case of Chambers Estate v. Chambers confirmed that “the court should…
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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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Read my previous post, Rules to Pick the Right Estate Trustee for Your Will. Executors have personal liability for their misconduct. Executors can decline the job. They cannot be compelled to act as executors. That’s why you always need to name a backup executor in your will….
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There is a great deal of confusion about how to make wills. Clients are confused. They visit American estate planning websites where different estate and tax laws and are used. In some jurisdictions, digital wills are allowed. Here’s an example of what can go wrong in Ontario….
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Are You in A Terrible Estate Lawsuit? Mediation can help you resolve your estate lawsuit. Estate lawsuits may take many forms. Here are a few examples of estate problems I can help you with. Has your loved one died? Are you still grieving? There may or may…
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You need to understand these common terms. You will find them used in most lawyer-prepared Ontario wills. I’ll explain the difference so that you can understand why they are crucial to protecting your loved ones. Let me assure you with this tip when you make your will:…
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