Market Intelligence

Joint wills and mutual wills sound similar, but the difference can decide who inherits. In Aulinger v. Oda, 2026 BCCA 13, the BC Court of Appeal confirmed that a joint will is really two separate wills, and one spouse cannot revoke the other’s wishes. Here’s what couples and beneficiaries should know.

Choosing an executor is an important part of preparing your will, but what happens if they decline the role? Jillian Bowman, a family and estates lawyer at Devry Smith Frank LLP, discusses what to consider when choosing an executor and why naming an alternate matters.

In our recent blog, An Estate Lawyer’s Guide to the Estate Litigation Galaxy, we discussed will challenges and raised that on the planning side, lawyers may consider including a no-contest clause in a Will as a deterrent to potential litigation. In today’s blog, I will be highlighting the use of no-contest clauses in Wills.

When a family member or friend dies, estate beneficiaries place their trust in the executor to properly administer the estate. But what legal recourse exists when that trust is broken through misconduct, delay, or conflict of interest? Ontario courts have established clear principles for when and how an executor can be removed, though the bar remains intentionally high.

Founders of startups often prioritize funding rounds and growth milestones over estate planning, yet as their ventures expand, their personal succession situations grow increasingly complex. This article explores how implementing a well-considered estate plan from the outset can protect family members, preserve business value, and reduce uncertainty in the event of unexpected incapacity or death.

Canadian families with U.S. connections face unique estate planning challenges that require regular review. This comprehensive guide examines eight critical areas—from wills and powers of attorney to cross-border trusts and reporting obligations—that warrant attention before year-end, particularly when family circumstances, asset values, or residency status have changed.