Author: O'Sullivan Estate Lawyers

When we consider undertaking the estate planning process, the preparation of a Will to direct and manage the transfer of assets between a person and their beneficiaries is often the primary focus. What is not always considered by many is the role proper estate planning plays in the preservation of

Join us in congratulating Margaret O’Sullivan, founder and managing partner of O’Sullivan Estate Lawyers LLP, in winning Bronze in the “Outstanding Individual of the Year” category in the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards USA 2024. Margaret responded on winning this award: “This is a special honour that means a lot to me.

What is the duty to account? This refers to the obligation of persons acting in a fiduciary capacity, such as a trustee, executor or attorney or guardian for property, to keep records of the assets and liabilities they are managing on behalf of others and be able to accurately report

When it comes to estate planning and administration for the modern family, embracing change is an imperative. No longer will traditional approaches set in the past based on simpler family structures meet changing client needs—and more so going forward as families continue to become even more complex. Join this webinar

In past blogs, we’ve discussed the importance of having a Power of Attorney for Property and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care. Without these documents in place, your loved ones will be faced with the long process of applying to court to become a guardian in the event you

Trusts, and discretionary trusts in particular, are a staple of estate planning for their flexibility and adaptability. They can address a multitude of situations such as: managing assets for spouses, minors, persons with disabilities or vulnerabilities; asset protection and preservation; business wealth and succession; and incentivizing activities such as education.

The welcoming of a new child into the family is a great time for parents to update their estate plan to include their bundle of joy. But what about a new grandparent? The question always arises: should I leave anything for my grandchildren? The short answer is that you don’t

Most of us have heard of the “KISS” principle, which stands for “keep it simple, stupid.” The natural assumption is that simple equals short and sometimes this is true, but not always. When it comes to legal documents such as Wills and trusts, the devil is in the details, and

When your child marries, you hopefully are not losing your child, but instead gaining a new son or daughter. Does this mean your new son or daughter should be treated like your child when it comes to your estate plan? Although there is no legal obligation to gift anything to

Canada’s underused housing tax (UHT), which took effect on January 1, 2022, had its first filing deadline on April 30, 2023. However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provided transitional relief so that no penalties or interest will be applied for returns and payments received before November 1, 2023. In a