Warren Buffett famously noted that, when it comes to inheritances, the perfect amount to leave children is enough so that they feel they can do anything, but not so much that they can do nothing. Sounds like a plan for success. The only problem is, many Canadians don’t have a plan at all. A BMO […]
Despite best efforts, some wills contain oversights, ambiguities or spelling mistakes.
The consequences of not having a will
Verbal promises before death can trigger disputes
These documents will likely become more common.
Two court cases have tested the limit of testators' freedom to dispose of assets as they see fit.
Not only is succession planning becoming more difficult, but client litigation is rising.
Daughter wants to know her legal options
When my dad died, I was lucky. I’m not saying I didn’t like the guy (I did), or that his passing significantly lined my pockets (it didn’t). I was lucky for one very specific reason: his lawyer, who’d drafted his and my mom’s will after they moved to Princeton, N.J. in 1968, was still alive. […]
In an ideal world, estates would have clearly written, legally drafted and current wills. In the real world, things aren’t always as neat. Sometimes, a beneficiary comes forward with a will newer than the one the executor’s using. What then? Remain neutral Richard Niedermayer of Stewart McKelvey in Halifax says it’s uncommon for a second […]