While I cooked all familiar traditional foods last week, the family celebration was very different and difficult this year. Of course not having my mother at the table was primary but due to Covid we were only the immediate family. No cousins, no friends joined us this year. Such a different time. As I continue to be reflective I thought I would share a previously published blog by the Huffington….
Living Fully Before Dying Continue Reading »
Elder Care
Learning that a loved one or friend who has passed away has left a gift for you in their Will, can be expected or in some cases, it can come as a surprise. You may be entitled to either (i) a legacy which can be in the form of a specific gift of personal property (i.e. a car, painting, jewellery), a gift of cash from a specified source (i.e. TFSA….
You’ve Got Mail – Part One Continue Reading »
Estate Administration, Estate Administration and Probate Applications, WillsLegal precedents are invaluable – except, that is, when they are wrong or out of date. Recently a Scotiatrust colleague contacted me about a clause in a client’s will that was intended to create an endowment fund at a registered charity. The clause imposed a 10-year capital hold on the donation. He asked, “is this clause still necessary?” The short answer is “no”. The longer answer is “this clause was….
Outdated Donation Clause Continue Reading »
Uncategorized
Lawyers are keenly aware of limitation periods. If a lawyer fails to commence a claim on behalf of a client within the limitation period, they will likely face a professional negligence suit (not good). Whether lawyers like them or not, limitation periods play an important role in the civil justice system. The provide certainty and finality. In Ontario, a plaintiff has two years to start a claim from the date….
Fraudulently Concealing a Limitation Period Continue Reading »
Estate Litigation, Limitation periods, Real EstateFor several years now, clients and contacts (with more frequency of late, and that’s no accident) have been asking me: “Hey Steve, I am turning 65 shortly, do I apply for CPP now or do I wait – what makes more sense financially” Based on analysis provided by experts in the financial planning sector (and more recently, published articles on the subject) my answer usually takes the form of “it….
CPP: TO DEFER OR NOT DEFER Continue Reading »
Canada Revenue Agency, Compensation, Estate Planning, In the News, Insurance, Investments, Tax Issues, Uncategorized
While the New Year starts in January, Jews around the world celebrate another New Year, the birth of the universe, 5781 years ago based on the Hebrew calendar. While it is the first of the High Holidays, for many who may not attend synagogue, it is recognized and celebrated with family sitting down together for a festive dinner. The Covid caused dinner will also be different this year- with a….
How many shall die and who by plague? Continue Reading »
Elder Care