Estate Planning for Entrepreneurs
There are many important issues involved in having a good estate plan in place, and those issues become more complicated if there is a business involved. As important as it is to have a proper will and power of attorney signed, it is also important to ensure that your affairs are set up so that, […]
Do I Really Need a Lawyer To Prepare My Will?
This is a very common question from clients, friends and acquaintances. With the availability of will kits and the ability to Google, there is a misconception that preparing a will is simple and that the time and cost to have a lawyer prepare yours is not worth it. Even the simplest of estate plans, however, […]
D.N.R. Tattoo – to Resuscitate or Not to Resuscitate?
When an unconscious patient was admitted to the hospital with a “Do Not Resuscitate” tattoo on his chest, doctors knew they were facing an unusual dilemma. To Resuscitate or Not to Resuscitate. In 2012, the Journal of General Internal Medicine outlined the “Cautionary Tale” of a 59-year-old patient who had a “D.N.R.” tattoo across his […]
What is a Will and What Happens If I Don’t Have One?
A will is a document that provides instruction and direction on how you wish your estate to be dealt with upon your death. A will may include such instructions as the appointment of estate trustees (also commonly referred to as executor), instructions for the gifting and disposition of your property, appointment of guardians for minor […]
Are Your Affairs in Order? A Few Resolutions to Help You Out…
As we ring in a new year, many of us make a number of resolutions: do more exercise, lose weight, less screen time and more books, etc. Another goal to consider – get your legal affairs in order. We will go into more detail in future blog posts, but here are some goals to add […]
“Mutual Wills vs. Reciprocal Wills” When is a will more than a will?
There is much ado these days concerning disappointed children suing a step-parent who has inherited the estate of the children’s parent, leaving the children ‘high and dry’. Can such a law suit succeed? Well, as a lawyer will usually tell a client “It depends”. A will can be set aside based on the maker of […]
Why piece meal planning is dangerous!
I have recently been asked to prepare wills for an older couple who have several properties, various investments and two adult children. The real properties include both the matrimonial home, cottages and investment properties. I always ask the client how title is held and then I ask them to provide me with a copy of […]
When is a Will not a Will?
There is a massive transfer of wealth currently happening in the province, and across the country, from the baby boomer generation to their children and grandchildren. And everyone has a hand out wanting a piece of that pie. As a result, there have been a significant number of law suits generated challenging the validity or […]
Supreme Court of Canada Decision on Accessing Assistance
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous landmark decision has declared the provisions in the criminal code, which have prevented Canadians from accessing assistance in dying, to be invalid as they unjustifiably infringe section 7 Charter rights. The decision has been suspended for 12 months to allow the federal and perhaps provincial governments time to provide […]
