This article is written by Alicia Mossington, Estate and Trust Consultant with Scotiatrust. A Power of Attorney for Property is a document which allows an individual (grantor) to appoint and authorize a substitute decision maker. In Ontario, the substitute decision maker is referred to as an “attorney.” The named…
When I was in private practice, I almost applied for a Benjamin order on an estate file until I was saved by the Registrar’s record that the sole heir had in fact predeceased the deceased. The result was one that ended well since the sole niece who had spent a…
Six reasons to start estate planning early! Estate planning is a part of life that, despite best intentions, is often moved to the back burner. It’s not surprising; many individuals struggle to consider or discuss their own mortality and that of their closest loved ones. Nobody is excited to review…
A question that often arises when discussing powers of attorney is whether to appoint the same person as the decision maker for property and personal care. although the roles are distinct at law, in practical terms there is a great deal of overlap. There are advantages of appointing the same…
All About Estates’ readers consist largely of professionals working in the areas of estates, trusts, capacity, tax, and elder care specialists. We are lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, social workers, and other people who live in the world of ageing, death and dying. We meet our clients as they plan for…
I’ve nominated myself to provide you with two highlights from last week’s federal budget announcement, and before I get into the nitty gritty, I provide you with a summary of my qualifications for undertaking this task. My undergraduate studies took a rather meandering path through geography, political science, a few…
This post was written by Alicia Mossington, Estate and Trust Consultant with Scotiatrust. Specialists in estate planning recognize the value and importance of having a well-prepared estate plan. Many of my fellow authors have articulated the importance of a comprehensive will and estate plan. Those involved in estate administration have…
I once lost a seat in business class to an alleged Emotional Support Animal (“ESA”). The dog’s owners arrived for a flight in which they were apparently ready to put their alleged ESA, Woofie Goldberg[i], into her carrier and stow her under the seat in front of their own seats….
I happened to be on my google machine earlier today, doing a quick search of “activation of powers of attorney”. I found a rather upsetting website belonging to a member of the bar suggesting that a power of attorney ought to be activated “if the grantor dies”, and so here…
My dog and I have a habit of visiting our neighbours at least once a week. After Final Jeopardy, maybe on a Tuesday or Wednesday, I ask George if she wants to go visiting, and my little cockapoo loses her little dog mind, races to the door, and charges down…
