This blog post was written by: Rebecca Tong, Senior Manager, Scotiatrust Tax Services, Vancouver Ever thought about gifting a property to your children? As most parents would think – yes why not and what is the big deal? I recently had this very discussion with my own aging parents, and…
Today’s Post written by Ashley Thornton, Articling Student, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP Blended families, specifically those with stepchildren, in Ontario face unique estate planning challenges which are occasionally overlooked. If not planned for expressly, this may lead to unintended disinheritance or costly litigation. Drafting with intention is therefore essential. Clear…
This blog has been written by JOSEPH STONEHOUSE, litigation associate at Fasken LLP (Toronto) In a recent decision, Justice Myers of the Superior Court of Justice dismissed claims by beneficiaries under a will against the drafter because those claims were brought more than 15 years after the defendant drafted the will….
Today’s blog was written by Jessica Butler, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP. Halloween is all about chills and thrills, but nothing sends a shiver down my spine quite like a botched estate plan. These stories aren’t just for a fright; they’re a reminder that a little planning now can save…
This blog post was written by: Dave Madan, Senior Manager, Scotiatrust Digital assets have become an increasingly common topic in estate planning. What once seemed like a niche hobby has turned into a meaningful part of some clients’ financial picture. From cryptocurrency to NFTs and even online gaming inventories, these…
November is Make a Will Month, an annual initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of having a Will. A Will is one of the most critical legal documents you can have, as it ensures that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are provided for after your…
This blog post was written by: Melissa Plunkett, Director, Scotiatrust On Friday, September 26, 2025, when CTV news published their story “Daughter hit with $660,000 tax bill when both parents died in the same year”, I was inundated with texts and DMs from friends and family asking me if this could…
The addition of a common-law partner as a joint owner of a bank account with a right of survivorship may give rise to initial uncertainty as to whether the arrangement constitutes a gift. While such a designation may appear to be a gratuitous transfer, the presumption of advancement does not…
Fine art is an asset class of growing importance among the affluent and is beginning to be a significant part of select estate plans. A recent estimate pegged the international art market at US$57.5 billion in 2024 (a 12% decline from 2023) and Canada has seen some record prices at…
As we head into Thanksgiving weekend, I am sharing a guest post written by my son. Earlier this year, he and his partner celebrated a beautiful wedding surrounded by family and friends. Like many life milestones, it prompted some important conversations about their future together, including what would happen if…