If I were administering Taylor Swift’s estate, I would have to continuously monitor her trademarked lyrics “This sick beat”, “Party like it’s 1989” and “Cause we never go out of style”, amongst others. Generally, artistic works involve copyright to protect it from being used and sold by others. But, as…
Month: September 2024
Total 18 Posts
As many of our readers may know, estate trustees have a duty to account to the beneficiaries of an estate for the property they administer. Beneficiaries are entitled to be kept informed and can reasonably expect transparency and communication from the estate trustee in this regard. Oftentimes, an estate trustee…
Cross-border insurance planning is tricky but understanding the basics can go a long way in assisting clients. This short article will review some of the key questions to consider in order to avoid potential pitfalls in life insurance planning. Who is the Owner, the Insured and the Beneficiary In the…
Arthritis is not part of the normal ageing process and can steal one’s mobility, independence, and freedom to enjoy life without chronic pain. It is also Canada’s leading cause of disability and workplace limitations. Since September is Arthritis Awareness Month in Canada, I thought readers would be interested in learning…
Quite often, we are contacted by law firms in foreign jurisdictions requesting assistance in resealing or confirming a foreign grant in Ontario to deal with assets located in Ontario. My colleague Emily Hubling and I reviewed this topic back in 2019 (https://www.allaboutestates.ca/probate-becomes-international-affair/) and today’s blog is a refresher on the…
September is an important planning month for many people. There are those planning for their kids to go back to school, some planning to preserve their fruits and vegetables for the colder months ahead while other holiday enthusiasts are planning to decorate for Halloween (too soon…sorry). While planning is at…
In Leith v Eccles, 2024 ONSC 4769, the applicant, Linda, brought a motion to receive an equalization payment from the estate of her late husband, William (the “Estate”). Linda wanted to apply the equalization payment towards the purchase of the matrimonial home she had lived in with William for many…
Irina Samborski, associate and Caroline Mercer, articling student, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP When an estate is litigated, a deceased person’s decision-making is forced into the public record. Sometimes, the court is asked to pass judgement and correct decisions that may seem unreasonable or unfair. However, some courts prefer to uphold…