How much compensation should be awarded to an estate trustee who has breached her duty of honesty and utmost good faith, was prepared to simply cut a cheque to pay out a claim against the estate without any investigation into its merits, and was prepared to use the threat of destroying the testator’s beloved pets as a means to try to extract benefits for her friends and herself?
Many have taken advantage of the ability to withdraw funds from a retirement savings plan under either the Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP) or Lifelong Learning Plans. Without careful planning, unpaid obligations under either of these plans may have tax implications on death.
The last post made by a British Columbia blogger who was suffering from terminal colorectal cancer has garnered worldwide attention.
When it comes to caregiving assistance for aging parents, there are many questions that usually follow. What assistance is needed? Will it be few hours per day, a few hours per week, or is it full time 24 hour assistance that we need? For families wanting to proceed on their own, there are a number of considerations.
Alternatives to Traditional Burial Practices
In addition to the long list of adminsitrative duties involved in administering an estate, a great number of decisions have to be made. When the Estate Trustee is a company, how are these decisions made?
When a solicitor is advising on estate administration, who does the solicitor and client privilege belong to?
From time to time there will be delays that could lead to missed deadlines resulting in tax penalties and arrears interest. All is not lost, however, where the deceased leaves a testamentary trust which would otherwise qualify as a spouse trust.
As we move along with the topic “Will planning – no simple task”, another circumstance that may require you to give special attention is ownership of a family cottage.
Caregiving: While many embark on this journey unwillingly, some do seek it out. For many, the role is rewarding and fulfilling. For others, the challenge of assuming yet another responsibility becomes overwhelming. Caregiver burnout is the greatest risk factor.
