Separation agreements commonly include a requirement that one of the spouses maintains a life insurance policy in favour of the other in order to “secure” support payments (either child support or spousal support). It is equally as common to find out, on the death of the supposedly insured spouse, that…
Whether testamentary autonomy is a constitutionally protected right has not been considered by the courts … until now.
How much interim dependant support is too much? When can interim legal fees be ordered? And can young people be stopped from posting on Instagram? Justice Pattillo had to consider these question in Zavet v. Herzog, 2018 ONSC 3398. The deceased, a wealthy real estate developer behind many of Toronto’s…
As most of you know, the Disability Tax Credit is a credit to income tax otherwise payable, available for those with a severe or prolonged impairment. It is meant to provide some relief from the additional costs and expenses incurred associated with the impairment. It is also referred to by…
In Flanders Fields the poppies grow… Remembrance Day is a significant day in the lives of many who endured the challenges of living during war times. As benefactors of their sacrifice, we sometimes forget that peace is a gift and the high price that was paid for it. Today we…
Tomorrow April 4, 2017 is Ontario’s first annual Family Caregiver Day. Family caregivers support the very fabric of our society. It is not only about caring for older adults as it includes anyone who is in need of assistance. The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘care’ as a “the provision of what…
Caring for our loved ones while satisfying and fulfilling can be expensive both emotionally and financially. Understanding needs, costs and tax relief are all important to saving money. Today’s blog provides some caring highlights from the 2017 Federal Budget. Three current tax credits have been replaced with the proposed Canada…
The recent Court of Appeal (“ONCA”) decision of Meehan v. Good, 2017 ONCA 103 (“Meehan”), reminds lawyers that the duty of care owed to their clients is extensive, and may operate beyond a limited-scope retainer. In Meehan, the plaintiffs, Michael and Anne Meehan, brought a claim against their lawyer, John…
Some recent technical interpretations from the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) remind us that tax free rollover of retirement plans have to be carefully planned and executed to get the desired result. Here are a couple of cases in point: Rollover of a Registered Pension Plan (“RPP”) to an infirm dependent…
Can RRIF proceeds paid after death to a testamentary trust, and used to purchase an annuity for the deceased’s grandson, qualify for a tax deferred rollover? The Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) was recently asked to rule on the following set of circumstances and facts. The grandson’s parents were incapable of caring for him and he…