News & Resources

What is “probate”, and is it really a bad thing? Many who are left to deal with a loved one’s affairs are told by the bank or by their lawyers that they need to apply to Court for “letters probate”. Probate is an official sanction from the Court granting legal..

There are many ways you can plan to care for those you love after you are gone. In addition to leaving inheritances through your will, you can name beneficiaries on a life insurance policy or RRSP account. This typically provides the named beneficiaries with a quick source of cash. Depending..

My friend wants me to be her executor. Should I accept this “honour”? An executor is responsible for: arranging the funeral and paying the cost; protecting the assets of the deceased. This includes physically protecting assets, keeping property insurance in place; ‘identifying liabilities to be paid from the estate; filing..

In the movies, after someone passes away, you will often see the family gathered around the lawyer’s desk for a reading of the will. But much like the outbursts in courtroom dramas, this is a movie fiction. In real life, there is no obligation for the executor to arrange for..

When clients ask me this question my answer is usually “No”. Putting title into another person’s name jointly with you has significant legal and tax consequences. Joint title holders have the same legal authority and decisionmaking power, which means that if you decide to sell your house you will have..

The differences between 3 estate planning documents: 1. A “Will” takes effect upon death. Your appointed “Executor” then has authority to distribute your belongings according to your Will. Your Executor cannot act during your lifetime. 2. A “Power of Attorney” is used during your lifetime and takes effect either upon..

My family will deal with my estate. I will be dead anyways. False. Without a proper Will your family will incur unnecessary costs and taxes. Not to mention the uncertainty and confusion they will face without clear instructions in a written Will. Death is tough to deal with and estate..

Each province has different rules about how people can express their wishes for care if they are injured or too ill to make their own health care decisions. This is commonly called a living will. In Saskatchewan, to indicate your wishes you can sign an “Advanced Healthcare Directive” to name..

Once you have a Will it is a good idea to periodically review it to ensure that your Will still does what you want it to do given your current life circumstances. Common events that may require a change in your Will include: A change in spousal relationship which invalidates..

Have you thought about everything that you do electronically and what how you access those electronic accounts and programs? Is a password is required? If you become unable to manage your affairs or die, will someone else be able to manage or delete these things? You should consider creating a..