As we move towards and progress through the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in history, people are looking for ways to improve the effici...
A Power of Attorney is a written document in which authority is given to your Attorney to make decisions on your behalf. In other words, it is the app...
Approximately one half of Canadians do not have a will. For those who do, many are in need of an update. While preparing a will is not a priority for many of us, the reality is that nobody lives forever. The need for valid, well-prepared wills has never been more pressing.
The modern family often incorporates second and third marriages, step-children, half-children and common law spouses. We often recommend to our clients that they create a 'global' estate plan, incorporating other agreements such as cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts and separation agreements. Having these documents well-synced to wills and powers of attorneys can go a long way in sorting things out when plans go awry.
Typically, there are a number of triggering events which signal to an individual that it is time to organize his or her estate or will. If you have not yet made a will or updated it in many years, the following events should provide you with the necessary swift kick in the butt to meet with a professional and organize your estate plan.
I have not always been so blunt about death or talking about death. To be honest, before my husband died, I never said the word. I was superstitious and felt that by uttering the word I was inviting trouble. I did not have a will, afraid that I would jinx myself. That all changed the day my world collapsed and my healthy 44-year-old husband died suddenly. I had to face the "D-word" head on. There was no turning around and avoiding it.
Whenever I am asked what I do for a living, my response, an estates lawyer, is never met with great enthusiasm. Once I tell stories about what I see on a daily basis, however, it becomes quite interesting.
