ARTICLE · 27 MARCH 2020

Planning In And For Uncertain Times

Dale & Lessmann LLP

Explore more from Dale & Lessmann LLP

As we live through the effects and realities of COVID-19, it's important to remember this is actually a good time to think about and implement your estate planning if you have not already done so.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Akua Carmichael

Author LinkedIn connections

As we live through the effects and realities of COVID-19, it's important to remember this is actually a good time to think about and implement your estate planning if you have not already done so. The question, of course, is- how can one have a will or powers of attorney created and still practice effective social distancing? Here are a few options to consider:

Professionally prepared estate planning documents

Although we are working remotely, Dale & Lessmann's Estate Planning and Administration Group continues to assist clients with their estate planning needs and in the preparation of wills, powers of attorney, and other testamentary documents. When it comes to execution of the documents, we can assist with the help of video conferencing and other means.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

When Can A Court Remove An Executor In Ontario?

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Blaney McMurtry LLP

Planification Successorale Pour Les Fondateurs : Ce Qu’il Faut Mettre En Place À Chaque Étape De La Croissance

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Before December 31: A Cross-Border Estate Planning Check-Up For Canadian Families

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Removing An Attorney For Property Or Personal Care In Ontario: When Can The Court Step In?

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Blaney McMurtry LLP

Lessons From Bayliss v. Burnham: Implications For Estate Planning On First Nation Reserves

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Family and Matrimonial
- Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning

Related Comparative Guides

Comparative Guide

Family Law

See more popular content from

Family and Matrimonial

Canada-US Estate Planning: A Complete Guide For Snowbirds And Cross-Border Families

Canadians who own US property, hold American investments, or have family members with US citizenship face a complex web of estate tax obligations spanning two countries. Without proper coordination, your heirs could face double taxation, frozen assets during lengthy Florida probate proceedings, or unexpected tax bills that consume a significant portion of their inheritance.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Before December 31: A Cross-Border Estate Planning Check-Up For Canadian Families

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.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Ontario Probate: A Step-by-Step Guide For Executors (Including Estates With US Property)

Ontario probate requires court certification, estate administration tax of up to 1.5%, and careful navigation of cross-border rules when US property is involved. Executors face strict timelines, fiduciary duties, and potential personal liability, while proper planning through multiple wills and beneficiary designations can significantly reduce both costs and delays.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

The Supreme Court Of Canada Recognizes A New Tort Of Intimate Partner Violence

The Supreme Court of Canada has established a groundbreaking new common law tort of Intimate Partner Violence, fundamentally changing how survivors can seek civil remedies for coercive and controlling behavior in intimate relationships. This landmark decision introduces a legal framework that recognizes patterns of abuse beyond traditional assault claims, focusing on the cumulative nature of coercive control that strips victims of their dignity, autonomy and equality. Courts across Canada are now beginning

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP

Canadian Citizenship By Descent: Canada Expands Eligibility Under Bill C-3

Many people may be surprised and pleased to learn that there is a new path to becoming a Canadian citizen. The Government of Canada passed Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), on December 15, 2025. Before this legislation came into effect, Canadian citizenship by descent was limited to the first generation born outside Canada. For example, Emily was born or naturalized in Canada, and she could pass her citizenship to her child, Duncan, born outside of Canada.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

O'Sullivan Estate Lawyers LLP

Avoiding Probate In Ontario: Risks Of Adding Children To Title (Video)

Should you add your adult children to your property title to avoid probate in Ontario? This estate planning decision can have consequences beyond probate costs.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Devry Smith Frank LLP

Understanding Probate In British Columbia: What You Need To Know

Probate in British Columbia is the legal process that confirms a deceased person's will and authorizes the executor to administer the estate. While not every estate requires probate, it is often necessary when real estate or significant assets are involved.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Watson Goepel LLP

AI And The Future Of Estate Planning: Will Estate Lawyers Become Obsolete?

With the rapid progress of artificial intelligence in the legal field, we often hear the same question arise again and again: will AI replace the need for estate planning lawyers?

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

O'Sullivan Estate Lawyers LLP

What Happens If A Beneficiary Dies Before Receiving An Inheritance In BC? (Lewis v. Jack Explained)

Estate disputes in British Columbia can come down to a deceptively simple question: When does an inheritance actually "vest"—at death, or only when the estate is distributed?

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial

Watson Goepel LLP

Capacity Proceedings Explained: When To Seek A Court-Ordered Capacity Assessment (And What Happens Next)

Questions about a person's mental capacity often arise at some of the most difficult moments in a family's life. Adult children may be worried about an aging parent's finances or personal care. Siblings may disagree about whether a parent understood a new will or power of attorney.

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial