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Toronto Ontario Estate Law Blog
Wills and Estates 101: Keeping Your Legal Terms Straight
This blog is a nod to all of our clients who think they are appointing us (their lawyer/attorney) as their “attorney” for property. We’ve put together this helpful resource of important legal terms in the Ontario estate and trust planning context. We hope this is a helpful tool or refresher
Dare to Choose: Update on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
On the heels of Canada Day, what are the things that make Canada distinctive? Well, on the estate and advance planning front, one significant difference is that Canadians have the ability to choose to end their life with medical assistance that many residing in other countries do not have. We
Beyond the Business: Other Uses for a Dual Will Plan
In jurisdictions where there are high probate fees, like Ontario, using multiple Wills in your estate plan is of particular importance. As you may be aware, you can have two Wills – a Primary Will that governs any asset that would likely attract a request of probate, and a Secondary
Your Life, Your Estate Plan, Your Choice
This is definitely dating myself, but in thinking about this blog I was unable to get Jon Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” out of my head (check it out on YouTube here). Sorry for the earworm! Mr. Bon Jovi (we’ve never met, so I’ll not call him Jon just yet)
A Lost or Misplaced Will: Here’s What it Means and What You Can Do
A person can only have one original will. In order for a will to be probated in Ontario, the original will must be filed with the Court. A copy of the original will, or even a notarial copy, cannot be used in its place without a court order. So, what
Reflections and Predictions on our 25th Anniversary
This blog comes to you today, May 4, 2023, on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our firm. I thought I would share some reflections on the past and some predictions for the future. It’s with a lot of gratitude that we as a firm take a moment to
How to Deal with Personal Effects to Prevent Family Fights
Clients like to say that they don’t have any personal effects of value. While they likely mean monetary value, they are overlooking the sentimental value these items may have. Fights over estates are not always about the dollars and cents. It is not uncommon to see fights among beneficiaries that
Real Estate and Probate Planning: More Issues to Consider
Oh, did you think we were done with real estate and taxes for a while? Sorry to disappoint. Our last blog, “Selling Sunset: Real Estate Taxes Property Owners in Canada Must Know About,” discussed some new taxes and tax filings involving real estate in Ontario. Today we’d like to remind
Selling Sunset: Real Estate Taxes Property Owners in Canada Must Know About
Underused Housing Tax The federal Underused Housing Tax Act became effective January 1, 2022, and the first tax returns for those who need to file are due in 2023. It imposes a 1% annual tax on the value of residential real estate in Canada owned by any non-resident, non-Canadian that
U.S. Estate Tax: The Lull Before the Storm? An Update and Refresher
What is the current state of play when it comes to U.S. estate tax, including its impact on many Canadian tax residents and others with U.S. connections? First, an update on some key tax rates and concepts for 2023. The lifetime exclusion amount has increased substantially due to the rise
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