It is now the height of summer, and a good time to take a breath and reflect a bit before the hurly burly of the fall descends upon us.

Clarence Darrow once said: "Someday I hope to write a book where the royalties will pay for the copies I give away."

Many of us feel overwhelmed when it comes to keeping our financial affairs up-to-date and in order. Whether it is technological challenges, including accessing the information...

Few people use ethical wills right now, but I predict they will become more common in the future.

Whether it's a first relationship for a millennial or a second or subsequent relationship for others including baby boomers and seniors, these days more and more couples are choosing to live common...

In recent years, the importance of having a power of attorney for property in place for estate planning purposes has been emphasized given our aging population, and there has been corresponding growing litigation in the area.

As people are living longer, often well into their nineties, the way wealth is transferred to the next generation is starting to shift.

Digital assets are different from tangible property that traditionally comprises an estate.

Who is a "millennial?" A common perception is that millennials are a loosely defined group of people born between approximately 1981 to 1996, some of whom have garnered a notorious reputation...

"Why do I need a will?" – a question we hear from many clients new to estate planning. It is usually followed up by a list of reasons why clients think they don't need a will...

Clients who've headed south for the winter may be looking at buying a U.S. vacation home.

With the start of a new year and a new decade, we tend to focus more than usual on important personal goals and objectives. One goal to consider is creating a family contingency plan.

When updating your estate plan, it's important to consider who will be the key decision-makers on death and on incapacity. Understanding these roles can help you prepare better for your future and make informed decisions...

Testamentary freedom - the freedom to dispose of your estate as you wish - is a longstanding principle in Canada and other common law jurisdictions...

ONE OF THE most challenging questions we face as advisors in family succession planning is whether children should be treated equally.

Estate planning deals with often complex family situations, including the needs of blended families with complicated personal relationships.

In Ontario, a beneficiary under a will or an intestacy cannot be compelled to accept an inheritance or a gift. A beneficiary has the option of choosing whether to accept an inheritance, or alternatively, whether to not accept, or in legalese, to “disclaim” an inheritance.

When parents die with minor children, who will care for them and manage their inheritance? This article explores six critical misconceptions about appointing guardians in Ontario, from temporary appointments to cross-border complications. Understanding these nuances ensures your estate plan truly protects your children when it matters most.

Generations are shaped by the events, technologies, and cultural shifts of their time. As we usher in the new year, we also welcome the start of a new generational cohort...

Mr. Bon Jovi (we've never met, so I'll not call him Jon just yet) makes a couple of points that are applicable to your estate planning.