Estate planning is essential for everyone, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you're gone. Key steps include creating an asset inventory, considering family needs, and establishing clear directives. Understanding tax laws and seeking professional guidance can enhance your plan. Regular communication with family members and periodic reassessment are also crucial. By following these steps, you can protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones.
A family trust and a testamentary trust serve different purposes and are established at different times. A family trust, or living trust, is created while the settlor is alive, allowing them to benefit from it during their lifetime and providing flexibility in managing assets while typically avoiding probate. In contrast, a testamentary trust is established after the death of the will maker and provides benefits to the beneficiaries named in the will, with no benefits to the settlor during their lifetime.
A cohabitation agreement is an agreement signed by two unmarried individuals who are living together or intend to live together in the future. When a couple decides to live together, a cohabitation agreement can clearly set out the rights and obligations of each party, either in the event of a breakdown of the relationship or upon the passing of one of the partners.
Are you in possession of the next great idea or invention?
Do you have a piece of equipment or technology that will set you apart from other competitors in your industry
Is it time for you to take steps to protect yourself and your intellectual property?
Under Canadian copyright law, the creator , or author, of a piece of work is the owner of copyright.
With new mortgage rules and fluctuating rates, this has caused people to look at their mortgage and lending options. While there appears to be an increasing number of available lending sources entering into the market, there have also been agreements that have been forced into Power of Sale situations. So, what is Power of Sale, and how can one avoid it?
Handling the affairs of a loved one's estate can be a complex and overwhelming responsibility. As an estate trustee, you are entrusted with the important task of ensuring the smooth administration of the deceased's estate, adhering to the legal obligations and fulfilling the wishes of the deceased as expressed in their will.
To assist you in navigating this intricate process, this checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to the duties and responsibilities that fall upon an estate trustee in Ontario. By following this checklist, you can systematically manage the estate administration process, while ensuring compliance with the relevant laws and regulations governing estates in Ontario.
When a loved one passes away, their affairs need to be properly managed and settled. In Ontario, an estate trustee plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth administration of an individual's estate. Also known as an executor or personal representative, the estate trustee is entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out the deceased person's wishes as outlined in their will. This introductory guide aims to shed light on the duties and responsibilities of an estate trustee, providing a comprehensive understanding of their role in the estate administration process.
At Carson Law, we believe in a team-based approach, so you will interact with a few key players based on where your file is in processing. There is a lot of backend work that goes into successfully closing your real estate purchase. Understand our process from owner and president, Ryan Carson, so we can all work together to achieve a smooth closing.
At Carson Law, we believe in a team-based approach, so you will interact with a few key players based on where your file is in processing. There is a lot of backend work that goes into successfully closing your real estate sale. Understand our process from owner and president, Ryan Carson, so we can all work together to achieve a smooth closing.
A Secondary Will can be a financial planning tool, some homeowners and business owners, mostly in Ontario and British Columbia, use to help reduce the amount of Estate Administration Tax (EAT) that needs to be paid after ones passing to ensure more of their assets end up with their survived family and friends.
Purchasing a condominium is an exciting milestone, but amidst the anticipation, it's crucial to consider the financial responsibilities that accompany this significant investment. One aspect that potential condo buyers in Ontario must be aware of is the concept of closing costs. These expenses, separate from the purchase price, can add up significantly and should be factored into your budget. In this article, we will delve into the details of closing costs associated with buying a pre-construction condo in Ontario, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and how to plan accordingly.
Most people believe this to be the best approach with regard to making other arrangements around their closing such as scheduling movers, contractors, etc. However, there are a few other things individuals in such a situation should consider before arranging to buy and sell real estate on the same business day.
Trusts play a crucial role in estate planning, offering various benefits and options for individuals to protect and manage their assets. The primary purpose of a trust is to ensure that assets are handled according to your wishes and distributed efficiently to the indented beneficiaries. Trusts also provide opportunities to minimize taxes, avoid probate, maintain privacy, and offer flexibility in managing your estate.
Estate planning is a crucial process that ensures the smooth transfer of assets and protects the financial interests of both the current and future generations. While there are various tools available for estate planning, one option that stands out is the establishment of a trust. A trust offers numerous advantages that can greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of any estate plan. In the following blog are some key reasons why you should consider using a trust in your estate planning strategy.
With more families of different generations sharing a residential space, and the need for more affordable housing, the this tax credit is long overdue.
What is the multigenerational home renovation tax credit and who qualifies? Read the below article to help answer this question plus more.
In Ontario, a corporation is required by law to keep accurate and up-to-date corporate minute books. A corporate minute book is a record of important corporate documents, including the corporation's articles of incorporation, bylaws, shareholder and director resolutions, and other legal documents.
Stay informed on the real estate terms you should know when buying or selling commercial real estate.
Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), has put together a helpful list.
Closing day in real estate is when the title of the property is officially transferred over from the seller to the buyer.
While there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes at the law firm handling the transaction, this blog post will help to answer what exactly is happening and how to best prepare for the big day!
Most often believe this to be the best approach with regard to making other arrangements around their closing such as scheduling movers, contractors, etc. However, there are a few other things that individuals in such a situation should consider before arranging to buy and sell real estate on the same business day.
On January 25, 2023, Hamilton Councilors passed a by-law in hopes it would free up the Hamilton housing supply for longer-term rentals. The by-law will also ban commercial operators with multiple properties listed on rental sites like Airbnb.
The term ‘title’, in real estate, is used to describe someone’s right of ownership to land. Title fraud is when the title of someone’s home is stolen or a scammer has borrowed money using someone else’s property as collateral.
As of January 1, 2023, new legislation came into effect that may impact you. If you have purchased a property you are now looking to sell within the last 12 months, you may be impacted by this new legislation. To ensure you are aware of what your obligations are, we are recommending that you seek advice on your upcoming transaction from a professional accredited accountant.
In one of the many measures the federal government has put into place to slow down the real estate market and ensure Canadians have more access and buying power when purchasing a home, is the implementation of a temporary ban on new foreign ownership.
A Secondary Will can be a financial planning tool, some homeowners and business owners, mostly in Ontario and British Columbia, use to help reduce the amount of Estate Administration Tax (EAT) that needs to be paid after ones passing to ensure more of their assets end up with their survived family and friends.
Having a properly constructed Will is considered to be one of the first and most important tools when it comes to protecting one’s family and assets, reducing the amount of tax owed by one’s estate, and building a solid succession plan for one’s business after death.
THINKING ABOUT BEING A LANDLORD?
SPEAK TO YOUR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE FIRST TO GET ALL THE FACTS.
Changes have been made to Canada’s Patent Rules as of October 3, 2022. This has been done to streamline the patent examination process.
There are a lot of questions from first time home buyers trying to enter into the market. One of them being the difference between a deposit and a down payment.
Incorporating your business can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to protect and grow their ventures. This strategic move offers numerous benefits, including shielding personal assets from business liabilities, potential tax advantages, and easier access to capital. Incorporation also enhances business credibility, ensures continuity, and provides flexibility in ownership structure. While the process may seem complex, the long-term advantages of incorporation often far outweigh the initial effort, making it a valuable consideration for business owners seeking to secure their future success.