Estate Administration

Most Canadians do not have a will, including almost half of adults under 35. In Ontario, the numbers are just as concerning. Many people assume they don’t need a will until they are older, wealthier, or have children. But the truth is simple: every adult in Ontario needs a will, no matter their age, assets, or family structure. A will is more than a document that distributes your belongings after you’re gone. It is a powerful tool that protects your wishes, the people you care about, and the future you’re working hard to build. Without one, your loved ones may face [...]

Creating a meaningful legacy involves more than the transfer of assets. Many Ontario residents are incorporating charitable giving into their estate plans to support causes they care about and take advantage of valuable tax benefits. Charitable estate planning allows individuals to leave a lasting impact that aligns with their values. At RBHF, we guide individuals, families, trustees, and financial advisors through the process of integrating charitable strategies into Ontario estate plans. In this article, we explain how charitable giving through your estate works, the tax benefits available, and how to ensure your wishes are honoured. Understanding Charitable Estate Planning in Ontario [...]

Much of our identity resides online: our finances, conversations, creative work, and even our memories. From treasured family photos stored in the cloud to cryptocurrency wallets and social media profiles, these digital assets have become an essential part of our lives. But when someone passes away, what happens to all of it? Unfortunately, traditional estate plans often overlook these digital footprints, overwhelming families and executors. In Ontario, navigating the legal landscape of digital assets can be especially complex, with privacy laws, platform policies, and a lack of clear legislation creating real challenges. That's why proactive planning is more critical than ever. [...]

Estate planning is essential for ensuring a smooth transfer of assets after death, and many Ontario residents are exploring various estate planning tools to make the process as simple and cost-effective as possible. One option that is gaining popularity is Transfer on Death (TOD) registration. A TOD registration allows certain assets—such as bank accounts or investment securities—to be passed directly to a designated beneficiary upon death, bypassing probate. While this may seem like a convenient and efficient method, there are important considerations to keep in mind. As your will and estate planning lawyers, we are here to explain the benefits of [...]