This blog post was written by: Ophely Karam, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotiatrust Montreal Common-law union has become a predominant form of partnership in the province of Quebec, distinguishing it from other provinces in Canada. In 2021, 42.7% of couples in Quebec lived in a common-law union, this is 2.5…
*The following blog was written by Sharon D. Davis* Human relationships are marked by conflict. When family dynamics, money issues and the death of a loved one are thrown into the mix, that conflict often ends up in estate litigation. Mediation has become a mainstream way of dealing with estate…
Today’s blog was written by Douglas Buchmayer, partner with the Ottawa office of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP When deriving an estate plan, it can sometimes be difficult to balance the needs of one’s spouse or partner against the wish to benefit (and protect) the next generation. While perhaps less relevant…
This year has been marked by chaotic world markets and trade wars instigated by the current US administration. While Canadians have come together to support Canadian businesses, many medical and patient care products depend on an integrated supply chain with global and American sources. Tariffs on these products may cause…
This blog post was written by Mohena Singh, Associate at Fasken LLP. Imagine a picturesque cottage in Shrewsbury, Ontario, a place filled with family memories and the promise of future gatherings. This cottage, however, became the centre of a legal conundrum after the passing of its owner, Floyd Kersey (“Floyd”),…
This blog post was written by Alicia Mossington, Estate and Trust Consultant, Scotiatrust London Executors in Ontario are often required to obtain a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (colloquially and historically referred to as “probate”). Although Estate Administration Tax (“probate tax”) is applicable across many jurisdictions in Canada, it…
One of the most interesting and challenging aspects of working in the trusts and estates field is how different the rules can be, not just internationally, but within our national borders. For example, this week I was chatting with my Quebec colleagues about Bill 56 – An Act respecting family…
Today’s blog was written by Jessica Butler, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP. Last weekend my husband and I settled in for a typical Sunday night at home – cozy on the couch with a good Netflix documentary. We decided to watch “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal and Greed”. What I…
Artificial intelligence seems to be all the rage. However, even with all of the technological advances and shortcuts which may now be available, counsel has an overriding and fundamental duty to not mislead the Court. Justice Myers’ recent decision in Ko v. Li, 2025 ONSC 2766 forcefully affirms this principle,…
Kira Domratchev, Partner, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP Many of us are familiar with the concept of a Henson Trust, as it comes across our desks fairly frequently, both in the context of litigation and planning. A Henson Trust is a trust where the trustee is given an absolute and unfettered…