Today’s blog is the last in a three-part series that explores estate accounts from the perspective of a beneficiary, and more specifically a beneficiary of an estate in the Province of British Columbia. These blogs were written by Caroline Caron, a paralegal in the Vancouver office of Fasken LLP, to…
Month: November 2025
Total 15 Posts
When there is any concern that a client cannot capably make their own decisions about their financial or legal matters, it is important for a planning professional to inform their client that a person typically cannot self-identify whether they are incapable to make decisions. That person will need to rely…
Today’s post was written by Nina Fainman-Adelman, Associate and Ashely Thornton, Articling Student, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP Resulting trusts is an equity-based tool for reallocating property when legal joint title does not reflect the intentions of a testator who held the property or account jointly with another individual. A resulting…
A Beneficiary’s Guide to Reviewing Estate Accounts: The Perspective from British Columbia (Part Two)
Today’s blog is the second in a three-part series that explores estate accounts from the perspective of a beneficiary, and more specifically a beneficiary of an estate in the Province of British Columbia. These blogs were written by Caroline Caron, a paralegal in the Vancouver office of Fasken LLP, to…
Are will challenges easier when there are charitable beneficiaries? Moreover, if there are more charities named in the will does that heighten the likelihood of legal contest? This is the kind of “shop talk” that happens when charitable gift planners get together with trust professionals and lawyers. One lawyer told…
In the recent decision of Pitt v. Beattie, 2025 ONSC 5654 (CanLII) (“Beattie”), the court considered the rule in Saunders v. Vautier and whether the sole beneficiary of a trust could demand a larger distribution than the trustee was willing to provide. In Beattie, the last will and testament provided…
Fraud prevention isn’t just a seasonal topic anymore. From AI-assisted scams to grandparent cons, the volume and sophistication of fraud targeting older adults is growing. Even the most financially savvy clients are vulnerable. Now, imagine how these risks escalate when someone is experiencing cognitive decline. We’re seeing more conversations in…
A Beneficiary’s Guide to Reviewing Estate Accounts: The Perspective from British Columbia (Part One)
Today’s blog is the first in a three-part series that explores estate accounts from the perspective of a beneficiary, and more specifically a beneficiary of an estate in the Province of British Columbia. These blogs were written by Caroline Caron, a paralegal in the Vancouver office of Fasken LLP, to…
This blog post was written by: Alicia Mossington, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotiatrust London Although almost 18 years have passed since the release of the decision in Pecore, questions about joint ownership of assets in estate planning continue to be the number one items raised by estate planning clients for…
For the average person, the work of an estate trustee can be daunting. Depending on the complexity of the estate, it can be a full-time job unto itself, and it is not uncommon for an estate trustees to renounce their appointment. The case of Chieffallo v. Blair, 2025 ONSC 3411…