There are several important factors to consider when estate planning, especially if you’d like to eliminate the need for probate, minimize probate tax, and make it easier on your loved ones upon your passing. This includes creating a will, considering joint ownership, making beneficiary designations, gifting assets, and more. Here,…

When a person passes away, their estate is usually administered by an executor or estate trustee. The duties of an estate trustee are numerous and varied, but can broadly be divided into two categories: administering the estate and distributing the assets. Another main duty of the trustee is to plan…

For over two years, the pandemic has greatly impacted our way of life and has highlighted our modern society’s need for flexibility. The practice of law has been of no exception. Bill 245 – Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021, S.O, 2021, c.4 received royal assent on April 19, 2021,…

Kelly Santini is honoured to be presenting this year’s Ottawa Arts Council Emerging Artist Award. The award recognizes and encourages the achievements of Ottawa artists who are in the early stages of their career in the arts and are working towards becoming recognized professional artists, while engaging with the community….

An estate trustee is entitled to compensation for his/her endeavours in the administration of an estate. However, the quantum of compensation can result in litigation if the beneficiaries perceive the proposed amounts to be unreasonable. A recent decision by the Ontario Superior Court provides guidance to estate trustees claiming compensation…

When someone dies without having made a will, they are referred to as having died “intestate”. When someone dies intestate, administering their estate is more complicated compared to someone who dies having made a will. To begin with, it is highly likely that in order to properly administer an intestate…

When speaking to clients about estate planning and their wills, I have found that most people come to meetings having given considerable thought as to how and to whom they would like their assets distributed. This isn’t surprising. After all, a key purpose of preparing a will is to direct…

If you are the applicant for a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (CAET) you may be required to obtain a consent from a minor beneficiary to your proposed appointment as Estate Trustee. Most often these kinds of consents are required when the deceased passed away without a will. The…