Estate Planning

The Pros and Cons of Using a TOD (Transfer on Death) Registration in Ontario

2025-02-13T15:49:31-05:00

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 [...]

The Pros and Cons of Using a TOD (Transfer on Death) Registration in Ontario2025-02-13T15:49:31-05:00

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Ontario: Navigating Complexities and Ensuring Fairness

2025-01-14T13:46:19-05:00

Blended families are becoming increasingly common in Ontario, bringing unique dynamics that can complicate estate planning. Unlike traditional families, blended families often involve spouses with children from previous relationships, stepchildren, and multiple sets of financial and emotional expectations. Without a tailored approach, these complexities can lead to unintended disinheritance, conflict, or costly legal disputes. Proper estate planning for blended families in Ontario ensures fairness and clarity, providing peace of mind for all parties involved. This guide will explore the legal framework, essential tools, and practical strategies for successfully navigating estate planning in blended families. Understanding the Unique Challenges of Estate Planning [...]

Estate Planning for Blended Families in Ontario: Navigating Complexities and Ensuring Fairness2025-01-14T13:46:19-05:00

Beyond the Will: Essential Estate Planning Documents Every Ontarian Needs

2024-12-16T11:36:01-05:00

Estate planning is a vital part of ensuring your legacy is protected, your wishes are honoured, and your loved ones are taken care of after you're gone. It's not just about writing a will, but about creating a comprehensive plan that brings peace of mind. Whether you're a business owner, parent, retiree, or simply someone with assets, having a comprehensive estate plan is essential to secure your future. In this guide, we'll discuss the fundamental documents every Ontarian should include in their estate plan and how these documents protect you and your family, providing you with the peace of mind you [...]

Beyond the Will: Essential Estate Planning Documents Every Ontarian Needs2024-12-16T11:36:01-05:00

Unlocking Legal Authority: A Comprehensive Guide to Powers of Attorney in Ontario

2024-03-13T09:38:52-04:00

Have you ever wondered how Ontario's powers of attorney may play a significant role in your estate planning and long-term decision-making? Understanding the roles of powers of attorney can be complicated but our goal is to provide you with the insights you need to properly protect your interests as we navigate Ontario's legal system. By the end of this guide, you will understand the legalities and be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions that fit your unique circumstances. Understanding Powers of Attorney Powers of Attorney (POA) are legal tools that allow someone you trust to make essential decisions on [...]

Unlocking Legal Authority: A Comprehensive Guide to Powers of Attorney in Ontario2024-03-13T09:38:52-04:00

The Importance of Estate Planning in Ontario: Protecting Your Legacy

2023-10-31T10:20:23-04:00

Estate planning is often overlooked, but it is a critical aspect of securing your future and protecting your loved ones.  In this article, we'll explore why estate planning is so important and how it can benefit residents in the province. We'll also touch on how finding a law firm that specializes in estate law services can help you navigate the intricacies of estate planning in Ontario. Understanding Estate Planning Estate planning is the process of making arrangements for the management and distribution of your assets and property after you pass away. It involves outlining your wishes, specifying how your assets should [...]

The Importance of Estate Planning in Ontario: Protecting Your Legacy2023-10-31T10:20:23-04:00

How to Invoke Power of Attorney in Ontario

2023-04-13T15:51:16-04:00

As human beings, we make choices and decisions every single day of our lives. Some of these decisions are minor, like what to have for dinner, while others are far more significant, like where and how you spend your money. But what happens if you are suddenly unable to make decisions for yourself? What if you were in an accident or became ill and lost the ability many take for granted? Many people, whether through a catastrophic accident, illness, or mental decline with aging, will face impairments that impact their decision-making ability and will need to rely on others to make [...]

How to Invoke Power of Attorney in Ontario2023-04-13T15:51:16-04:00

Can a Surviving Spouse Change a Mutual Will?

2021-11-18T20:14:01-05:00

Most people are aware of the importance of a will yet do not understand that there are different types of wills. Complicating the matter all the more is the potential for a surviving spouse to potentially alter a mutual will that was initially created by both spouses under the guidance of an estate planning attorney. Let’s take a look at the different types of wills in the context of estate planning and whether spouses are legally empowered to amend mutual wills. What is a Mutual Will? It is quite common for spouses to create wills that are similar. Some spouses have [...]

Can a Surviving Spouse Change a Mutual Will?2021-11-18T20:14:01-05:00

What Assets are Subject to Probate in Ontario?

2021-09-21T18:39:56-04:00

If you have a will and have appointed an executor, you may have the idea that when you pass away, all your assets will need to go through probate before they are distributed to your beneficiaries. This isn’t always exactly what happens. In some cases, only certain assets need probate and in others, probate is not even necessary. There are many misconceptions about probate floating around, and it is hard to know which information is correct. Small details and differences can have a large effect on the probate process, and often, well-meaning friends and family will give advice based on their [...]

What Assets are Subject to Probate in Ontario?2021-09-21T18:39:56-04:00

Is Estate Planning the Same as A Will?

2021-06-21T14:57:17-04:00

If you are reading this, you have probably decided that it is finally time to cross “getting a will” off your list of things to do. Before you get started, you may have questions. For instance, what is the difference between having a will and estate planning? Are they the same thing? What is an estate planning lawyer? What is a Will? A will is simply a legal document that sets out a person’s wishes about what will happen to their assets at the end of their life. There are formal legal requirements to formatting a will, and these requirements can [...]

Is Estate Planning the Same as A Will?2021-06-21T14:57:17-04:00

Important Items to Consider When Drafting a Will

2020-11-12T16:45:51-05:00

June 19, 2019 By: Samantha Rosen-Lawlor Thinking about a will can be a difficult process. It means thinking about what would happen to your spouse or partner, children, grandchildren, siblings and family and friends when you pass away. While difficult to think about, it’s also a crucial way to ensure that your wishes concerning your surviving family and friends, are met. Clear directions on how to provide for spouses, adult children and their families, and how you wish to divide your estate can help your family avoid the complications that can arise if your will is vague, or you pass away [...]

Important Items to Consider When Drafting a Will2020-11-12T16:45:51-05:00
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