All About Estates

Category: Funeral Planning

Total 27 Posts

A Lot of Plots or a Plot of Lots?

Reading my colleague Diana’s blog of a few weeks ago, ‘Whose Land Is It Anyways’ ,  reminded me of my friend’s current challenge.   She owns a lovely piece of  prime real estate in a prestigious and sought-after location in mid-town Toronto (off Yonge Street) with a great view!  Sounds…

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Not So Fast – Who Controls the Body?

“He knows where the bodies are buried” is a throwaway line from Orson Wells’ cinematic masterpiece, Citizen Kane. That line soon took on a life of its own and entered the cultural vernacular. In the world of estates, a more frequent problem is not finding the bodies but deciding where…

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The Living Hands that Control the Graves

As a law student, my trust law professor brought in a “dead hand” to help us remember the rule against perpetuities. The prop was effective: I have not forgotten that the rule stops trust property from being governed indefinitely from “beyond the grave.” While principles of trust law helpfully prevent…

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A Good Life & A Good Death

A long time client of ours passed away last week.  She was able to remain at her own home and die in her own bed.  So many of us wish, when the time comes, that we could do the same.  We know this is not the ending place that most…

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Suicide and Seniors

In last week’s blog, my colleague Dr. Shulman highlighted the ten ‘D’s of Geriatric Psychiatry . The ‘D’ that I would like to comment on today is depression which is closely linked to his last ‘D’ which is death. I have blogged over the years that contrary to popular belief,…

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Bittersweet Holidays

In another few days we will say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017. This time of year for me, is a time of reflection. Most jarringly- is wondering where did the time go? While I try to be in the present, I am not always successful. What seems to…

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Living Fully Before Dying

No one wants to have regrets. Dying patients shared their regrets in a blog post by a palliative care nurse. For me, these ‘regrets’ translates into food for thought and an action plan. Maybe it will for you too.

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Preparing for all of life’s transitions with equal fervour

We prepare for marriage, child birth however many of us seem to have difficulty planning for older age. Let’s hope we all get there!

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“‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” -Alfred Lord Tennyson

My blogging colleagues have described many estate and trust issues resulting from subsequent marriages. However today’s blog acknowledges that older individuals can enjoy another meaningful, satisfying and loving relationship after the death of a significant other.

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A Caregiver’s Grief

Personal Support Workers can be feel more like family to the older person than their own children. Especially felt in the later years of life, their bond can be very strong. I wonder how often they are remembered in the Will?

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