This article emphasizes the need to carefully choose the guardian for your minor children when making your Wills. In British Columbia the age of majority is 19. It is important to name contingent guardians just in case the first… Read More »Choosing guardians for your children
CBC recently had an interesting radio interview on The Sunday Edition that discussed the much heralded intergeneration transfer of wealth from those born in the 1930s and 1940s to the baby boomers. With this transfer there is a tension between the saving… Read More »Why families may be headed for inheritance disputes in court – BC’s WESA
An effective estate plan can often avoid conflict within your family. Unfortunately, estate disputes can often mean that family relationships deteriorate to the point where the recovery of relationships within the family unit is no longer an option. Estate planning can… Read More »Avoiding a family dispute by making a Will
British Columbia’s laws on Wills and Estates are changing this year. The Wills, Estates and Succession Act (the “WESA”) will come into force on March 31, 2014. The legislation and Rules will result in major changes in practice and procedure.… Read More »Wills, Estates and Succession Act
It is important to consider your RESPs when planning your estate. As this article reminds us, unless the RESPs are addressed in your Will and other estate planning documentation, your wishes may not be carried out upon your passing: CLICK… Read More »RESPs in your estate plan
An important step in estate administration is to calculate and pay the estate’s tax. Whilst some post-death tax planning is possible, the best time for tax planning is during your lifetime. As this article explains, seeking appropriate tax and legal advice can… Read More »Tax Issues and Estate Planning
It is becoming increasingly important to consider digital assets when making an estate plan. The laws relating to digital assets have not kept up with recent the huge changes technology. However, as this article explains, there are a number of… Read More »Protecting your digital estate
Whilst parents often wish to treat their children equally, appointing all your children as Executors together can cause problems. This article suggests that naming more than two or three executors can be a recipe for disaster as all executors must… Read More »Appointing all your children as Executors can be a mistake
A rare copy of Napoleon’s last Will signed in 1821 was sold at auction in Paris this week. The once-feared general, who conquered half of Europe, had nothing more than a few jewels, sculptures, porcelain crockery and the odd painting… Read More »Copy of Napoleon’s Will auctioned in Paris
Whilst it is not always appropriate, a family meeting is sometime a useful estate planning tool. This article suggests such a meeting could be helpful in situations where there is a blended family, a family business or some other jointly… Read More »Calling a family meeting
