It’s that time of year to set new goals and to strive for positive change to build the life you want today and in the future. Many of us make resolutions to eat healthier, quit smoking, or to get organized. In addition to tackling these ambitious goals, it’s a great time of year to contemplate…
“Probate” is the legal process whereby a Will is “proved” in a court and accepted as a valid public document that is the true last testament of the deceased. In B.C., essentially the need for probate is determined by the policy of the agency or financial institution which holds an asset which is part of…
A general principle of law is that a person making a Will (a “Will-Maker”) has the testamentary freedom to dispose of his or her property as he or she wishes. However, like many legal principles, there are exceptions. An important exception to a Will-Maker’s freedom to leave what he or she owns to whomever he…
Every day, all over Canada, people’s lives are enriched by the work of registered charities and foundations, and other not-for-profit organizations in our communities. Funding for mental health, cancer research, shelter for the homeless, food for animal shelters, or a live performance by a local arts organization are just some of the ways not-for-profit organizations improve all of our lives…
Almost all of my clients share the same goals eliminating uncertainties over the administration of their estate and the maximization of the value of their estate. Unfortunately, many of them also share myths and misconceptions around estate planning. Here are some of the most prevalent estate planning myths and misconceptions and the facts behind them:…
A Will is the best way to ensure that the people, charities and organizations you cherish most receive the benefit of your estate. Your Will is also your last communication with your family and friends and your opportunity to leave clear instructions on how you want your assets to be handled, and how you want…
The number of blended families in Canada grows every year as the divorce rate and the lifespan increases. This trend means that these couples must manage the legal and financial challenges inherent in a blended family, which are particularly challenging when there are children from a previous relationship. Couples with blended families must balance between…
It used to be that you knew what to do with all the memorabilia of your life. You’d put it in a box to give to your kids, or you’d write it into your will. But these days, the most complete record of your life may be online. The Internet plays a major role in…
Here’s a suggestion for a New Year’s resolution that will benefit both you and your family and will be relatively simple to complete: make or update your estate plan this year. Many people look for any reason to procrastinate about this stressful subject. And it always feels painful to spend money on estate planning, because…
Baby Boomers lead very busy lives and there never seems to be a good time to undertake estate planning but the time is now! According to a BMO study, boomers will inherit over $1 trillion over the next 20 years yet almost half of all Canadians don’t have a Will, and much fewer have a…
