Ask a Wills Expert Archives

Real Estate

Do I need a tax lawyer to prepare my estate?

Wondering whether your estate planner knows the latest tax laws? Do you need a tax lawyer too? Discover three...

Do I need a tax lawyer to prepare my estate?

Canadian mom and child at the cottage she inherited from her father and shares with her siblings and step mom.

Taxes

Inheriting cottage and the capital gains implications

Jill's late husband left her a cottage. What happens if she transfers ownership to her stepchildren?

Inheriting cottage and the capital gains implications

Father with adult children, toasting during good times. The father is happy as he's taken care of his estate and avoided probate fees in Ontario.

Estate Planning

How to avoid or reduce probate fees in Ontario

Read about the practical strategies to reduce or avoid probate fees in Ontario, and ensure a smoother transfer of...

How to avoid or reduce probate fees in Ontario

family at the cottage, with its future generation of owners

Vacation Homes

Family legacy: How to pass along the family cottage—and 3 things to avoid

Discover key strategies from estate planning lawyer Peter Lillico on preserving your family’s cherished cottage for generations to come.

Family legacy: How to pass along the family cottage—and 3 things to avoid

Daughter writes in asking about how to avoid probate in Canada for her mother's estate

Ask MoneySense

How to avoid probate fees in Canada

Avoiding probate fees in Canada involves implementing strategies such as using beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and establishing trusts to...

How to avoid probate fees in Canada

A niece takes care of her uncle as power of attorney, is not his estate trustee.

Ask MoneySense

When does the role of power of attorney end—and estate trustee begin?

There are various roles for estate planning, including the POA and the estate trustee. Find out the difference between...

When does the role of power of attorney end—and estate trustee begin?

Estate Planning

How important are wills and estate planning for Canadians?

Learn from an estate administrator exactly what Canadian families should do right now to avoid headaches later.

How important are wills and estate planning for Canadians?

A middle aged woman sits by a window in a cafe

Ask a Planner

Can an executor borrow money to cover probate costs?

Executors have a few options when the estate has outstanding bills and no cash to cover probate fees. Find...

Can an executor borrow money to cover probate costs?

A mother and daughter are seated on a couch discussing plans for a disabled beneficiary trust

Ask a Planner

Estate planning and trusts for a beneficiary with a disability

When seeking advice that may involve multiple disciplines, including estate planning for a beneficiary with a disability, what type...

Estate planning and trusts for a beneficiary with a disability