Over the last couple decades, many Canadians have invested in real estate, more specifically, in rental properties. As a result, their real estate holdings will constitute a substantial part of their estate therefore, their estate plan should consider how best to minimize capital gains on death and preserve their real…
Fall officially arrives on Monday. School has started, the leaves are turning colour, and for many families, it’s time to think about closing the cottage for the year. As estate planners know, the cottage is not an ordinary asset. It’s a special place where memories are made and traditions are…
Are you planning to leave real estate to a loved one under your Will? Do you want that property to be transferred free of debt or other claims? If you’re making a specific gift of your interest in freehold or leasehold property that is subject to a mortgage, as…
Today’s blog has been written by Latoya Brown, Associate, at Fasken LLP In Part 1 of this series, we explored the importance of selecting the right trustee, using Jones v. Jones[1] to highlight what can go wrong when a trustee lacks a clear understanding of their fiduciary obligations. In this…
This blog has been written by Rahul Sharma, Partner, at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Toronto Joint ownership of property with a right of survivorship is perhaps the most common or popular means by which a couple, for example, owns a home in Ontario. Simply put, “joint with right of survivorship”…
Today’s blog was written by Jessica Butler, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP. Managing and distributing household contents in an estate can be a daunting task, filled with both emotional and practical challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential steps and considerations for handling household items in an estate, from…
If you have clients with assets outside Canada, they likely look to you for guidance to support drafting of testamentary documents. In a previous article we explored the considerations that should be kept in mind when assets are owned outside of Quebec, within Canada – given the civil law and…
Today’s blog was written by Jessica Butler, Law Clerk at Fasken LLP. When administering an estate, certain assets frequently come into play: bank accounts, a home, and often, at least one personal vehicle. While a Will typically outlines the transfer of a vehicle to a specific beneficiary, there are instances…
Today’s blog post has been written by Karen La Caprara, Counsel, at Fasken LLP. When two abutting parcels of land or properties are owned by the same owner or owners, title to the properties automatically merges, unless an exception to this general principle applies.[i] Once title to the abutting…
This blog has been written by Darren Lund, partner at Fasken LLP Cross-border estate planning is undoubtedly a complex affair. When clients have assets in a foreign jurisdiction[1], are resident or have citizenship in a foreign jurisdiction, or wish to benefit individuals who are resident in a foreign jurisdiction, planners…