The international nature of society today means an increasing number of deceased estates have an international element. Families are frequently spread across different countries; the deceased’s as...
Is probate always necessary? Find out when to Probate a Will
Not every Will needs to go to probate. A common question frequently raised our many clients and others is – does my loved one’s estate needs to be probated? What is probate? Essentially, probate i...
Wills: when will the court order rectification?
A Will is a formal legal document setting out the testator’s wishes in respect of who is to inherit their estate. When the testator dies, the executors and trustees must administer the deceased’...
Choosing a Will Executor: talk to them!
One of the most important things you can do when making a will is to appoint a will executor. Your executor (also known as an Estate Trustee) will have the task of undertaking the probate and administ...
Estate Administration: who gets paid what?
Lawyers should never underestimate the importance of an Executor’s role and legal duties when dealing with the administration of an estate. We set out briefly the important legal duties of executors...
Estate Planning: segregated funds to reduce costs
The administration of a deceased estate can be an expensive business, but using the segregated funds tool can be a valuable method of protecting the value of your estate on death. By law, a final ‘t...
Potential Estate Disputes: Parent-to-Adult Child Transfers to Joint Accounts
What happens to joint bank accounts and jointly owned property when one of the co-owners dies? The answer is not entirely straightforward and depends on whether it is property, or whether it is mone...
Foreign Trustee Company Approved as Estate Trustee – Despite Registrar’s Initial Refusal
Rogerson Law Group has successfully secured an order allowing the re-issuance of an overseas appointment, as estate trustee, of a foreign (Bermuda) trust company in Ontario, under a confirmation by re...
DIY Wills: a risky move
One of the most important things anyone can do in their lifetime is protected their family and loved ones by making a will. Yet despite the importance of a well thought out will, many people go ahead ...
What are the Legal Requirements for Signing a Will?
A properly drafted will is a legal document which is legally enforceable by the executors and beneficiaries under the will. As with any legal document, it is only valid if properly executed in accorda...