Surprise! A Blog on Secret Trusts
Our office has previously written on the topic of secret trusts. This article will discuss some further case law where attempts were made, both successful ... Continued
Gordon Behan and Sam Shury Published in The Lawyer’s Daily
A recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision has given greater clarity to how the courts treat a will-maker’s knowledge of his or her assets. It ... Continued
Can an Executor be Held Liable For Not Following the Burial Wishes of a Deceased Person?
The Duty To Follow The Wishes of The Deceased and “CIFSA” Upon the death of an individual in British Columbia, unlike other Canadian jurisdictions, there ... Continued
Is a child born out of wedlock entitled to inherit under British Columbia succession law?
Since 1927, legislation in British Columbia had provided that in cases of intestacy, children born out of wedlock would inherit on the same basis as ... Continued
Drafting a Will In Light of the Rule in Howe v. Earl of Dartmouth
When deciding how to distribute property under a will, a will-maker will sometimes wish to delay when those assets are transferred to a particular beneficiary, ... Continued
The Executor’s Year
For those involved in estate administration there is, from time to time, reference made to the “executor’s year.” The following will discuss two questions which ... Continued
Another leading case by our estates team: Court Confirms Multiple Wills for Business Owners
We recently acted in the first BC court case to confirm that multiple wills may be used to reduce probate taxes for business owners. We ... Continued
Probating a USA Will and BC Assets
Obtaining a grant of probate from the BC court provides assurance for anyone dealing with an estate that the deceased’s will is legally valid and ... Continued
Which Jurisdiction’s laws will govern your estate?
Introduction In our globalized world, it is not uncommon for people to own property or have residences in multiple jurisdictions. The international aspect of a ... Continued
The Even-Hand Rule
Executors must remember their obligation to treat all beneficiaries of a will equally.
Court Removes “Ill-Mannered” Administrator, Sanctions Him With Special Costs
A court can remove an administrator if necessary for the welfare of the beneficiaries of the estate.
8 Things You Should Know About TFSA and RRSP Designations
Beneficiary designations on your TFSA and RRSP have a few options that you may not be aware of.