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.
Duties of an Estate Trustee Checklist
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.
Duties of an Estate Trustee
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.
What is a Secondary Will?
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.
What is a Secondary Will and When Would I Need One?
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.
What happens when you die without a Will in Ontario?
All About Cohabitation Agreements
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.
Powers of Attorney Overview - Continued
Powers of Attorney Overview
An overwhelming majority of Ontario adults currently go about their daily lives without the security of having a properly drafted will and a power of attorney in place. It is important to address these matters regardless of one’s age in order to avoid the pitfalls of probate, and to provide yourself and your loved ones with peace of mind through proper estate planning.
Do You Have A Plan in Place in The Event of Your Passing?
It is important to have a plan in place in the event of your death. By not preparing an estate plan, the task of settling your affairs becomes more complicated for surviving family members.
To help, we have put together this handy checklist to ensure you are thinking of the right items in preparation for completing your will.
Court Discretion
As of January 1, 2022, The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has the discretion and authority to make an order validating a testamentary document that was improperly executed. The court can now interpret and decide what the testator’s intentions were for the document, such as being a will, an amendment, or the revocation of a will.
Separated Spouses and Wills
Will and Marriage
One of the lesser-known legal “rules” that applied to all wills, was that a marriage after the creation of a will invalidated that will, unless a special clause was used “in contemplation” of the nuptials. This rule still applies to anyone who married before January 1st, 2022, and made a will prior to that marriage. Marriages AFTER January 1st, 2022, will no longer invalidate a will made by an individual prior to marriage, as deemed by the amendment to the Succession Law Reform Act.
Join the Carson Law team!
In an effort to continually strive to improve upon the efficiency in how we handle our clients’ legal matters, Carson Law Office Professional Corporation, located in Burlington, Ontario, is happy to announce the we are searching for a full-time experienced, motivated, team-oriented Senior Real Estate Clerk – Team Lead to join our team!.
Any and all interested candidates should provide a resume and cover letter to our Manager of Employee Relations, Stephanie Badour, at stephanie@carsonlaw.ca
Carson Law is Growing and Hiring!
In an effort to continually strive to improve upon the efficiency in how we handle our clients’ legal matters, Carson Law Office Professional Corporation located in Burlington, Ontario, is actively searching for the following full-time positions to join our growing team:
• Real Estate Manager
• Wills Clerk
• Administrative Assistant
• Junior Financial Clerk
The successful applicants will be motivated, tech-savvy and team-oriented. A detailed job description for each position along with a list of expectations and requirements can be found within.
Any and all interested candidates should provide a resume and cover letter to our Manager of Employee Relations, Stephanie Badour, at stephanie@carsonlaw.ca
Family Law Litigation - Part 1
What To Know About a Cohabitation Agreement
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.
3 Downsizing Steps That Can Save Time and Stress for Families
Has the time come for your parent to move into a smaller home? Letting go and downsizing during retirement can free seniors from financial responsibilities and maintenance costs. It’s also a process that can cause added stress for an aging parent and even family caregivers without careful planning, particularly during the era of COVID-19. With that in mind, here are some tips from Carson Law to help you put a downsizing plan together for your loved one.