Guest written by Giancarlo Mignardi, Student-at-Law at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP When we think about testamentary gifts, we typically think of outright gifts, and testamentary trusts, both of which are typically set out in the terms of a Will. However, there is another, lesser-known option: the secret (and semi-secret) trust….
Maureen Berry
Maureen Berry is a partner in the Trusts, Wills, Estates and Charities group at Fasken. Maureen’s practice is focused on wills, estate planning, domestic and international trusts, private corporation taxation, and executive compensation. Maureen also advises charities and non-profit organizations. Working with Canadian and international families, firms, corporations and charitable organizations, she provides advice on all aspects of private client matters. She is a leading expert in the fields of tax law and estate planning. As an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, she teaches Advanced Estate Planning. Maureen has previously taught corporate tax and international tax at the University of Toronto and Western University, along with the Bar Admission course for up-and-coming lawyers.
This blog post is co-written with Fatima Husnain, student-at-law at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. You might assume that all of the aspects of land within your property line belong to you, but that may not be the case. A recent British Columbia case, Douglas Lake Cattle Company v Nicola Valley…
It’s that time of year when we are once again reminded of how quickly time flies. The start of school signals the end of yet another summer. And it doesn’t just signal the onset of shorter days and colder weather, but it also reminds us that soon we will be…
Liz Bozek first blogged about the tragedy of Tom Petty’s sudden death and the musical legacy that he left behind, commenting that “a life unexpectedly cut short can nevertheless be celebrated because of the rich legacy left behind.” Unfortunately, any hopes of a long-term celebration by his family were dashed…
This post reviews the Ontario “Non-Resident Speculation Tax” (“NRST”), and draws attention to an important possible effect to be aware of on land conveyances involving trusts in the province. This post is a refresher and update to Corina Weigl’s post in June, 2017, which was posted shortly after the proposal…
Today’s blog was written by Krysten Zator, Summer Law Student According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 564,000 Canadians live with dementia, a number which is expected to rise to almost 1 million by the year 2031.[1] Globally, about 50 million individuals live with dementia, a number which is expected…
Today’s blog was co-written with Demetre Vasilounis, Student at Law at Fasken LLP. As science’s capability to bend the laws of nature becomes wider and wider, our laws will have to develop ways to tackle the challenges that will inevitably arise from such scientific advancement. One concept which is becoming…
Today’s blog is co-written with Jennifer Campbell, a law clerk in the Private Client Services group of Fasken LLP. Recently Durham MPP Lindsey Park tabled a private member’s bill (Bill 69), which looks to amend Ontario’s Planning Act to prevent municipalities from using local bylaws to prohibit seniors from cohabitating….
I read an article about quite an amusing case recently. An executive went to great lengths to shield his properties from creditors. In “1995” a declaration was executed purporting to establish a trust for the executive’s Muskoka cottage and in “2004” a declaration was executed purporting to establish a trust…
Today’s blog was co-written with Demetre Vasilounis, Student at Law at Fasken LLP. As a new year approaches, people often take a moment to reflect on their lives over the past year and determine ways in which they could have improved themselves. Some may try to realize such improvements through…