A power of appointment is a highly effective and flexible estate-planning tool that allows a person you trust to decide how certain property will ultimately be distributed often long after …
Can Text Messages Change a Will?
Paige v. Noel, 2025 BCCA 358 Introduction Can a will-maker change their will by sending a text message or email? That question was squarely before the British Columbia Court of …
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Estate Planning
When it comes to preparing your Will and Powers of Attorney, choosing the right lawyer is as important as the documents themselves. You are not simply hiring someone to draft …
Mandatory Contingency Planning Matters
Lawyers Die Too Death is inevitable. Incapacity is possible. And while neither topic is pleasant to think about, both are realities that demand preparation. As the saying goes: Recognizing this, …
When a Parent Asks You to Be Their Estate Trustee
When a parent asks you to be their Estate Trustee, it often feels like a compliment. It means they trust you, rely on you, and believe you are capable of …
Court Refuses to Release Joint Sale Proceeds Pending Full Estate Hearing
Vaccaro v. Vaccaro, 2025 ONSC 6521 A recent Ontario Superior Court decision serves as a strong reminder of the risks involved when joint tenancy is used for “probate planning,” particularly …
When “Maybe” Is Not Enough to Make a Gift
Hugginson v. Hugginson (2025 ONCA 902): A recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal confirms a simple but powerful estates law principle: Background Two sisters became embroiled in litigation …
Incorporation by Reference in Ontario Estate Law
The doctrine of incorporation by reference allows a separate document, not physically part of a Will, to nevertheless form part of it, but only in very limited circumstances. It is …
CPP and Parenting
What Happens If You Stop Working to Raise Children? Many Canadians step out of the workforce or reduce their hours while raising young children. A common worry is whether those …
Canada Pension Plan: Outline
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is one of Canada’s core social insurance programs. The CPP is designed to provide income when you retire, and financial support to your family if …