What Assets Require Probate in Ontario? Not all assets require probate in Ontario. However, many do, and misunderstanding the distinction can lead to delays, disputes, and complications in estate administration. The key issue is not simply what assets exist. It is how...
Can Probate Be Avoided in Ontario? (And When It Backfires) In some cases, yes. Probate can be avoided in Ontario, but doing so is not always straightforward and does not always produce the intended result. Many individuals structure their affairs with the goal of...
One of the most frequent and emotional questions we hear from beneficiaries is this: how long does the executor have to distribute the estate. Some people are waiting for financial stability. Others are waiting for closure. Executors meanwhile are often just trying to...
When a person prepares a will, they usually name an executor who will manage their estate. Often the will also names an alternate executor in case the first one cannot or does not want to act. But many families face a different situation. Sometimes a will says nothing...
Joint accounts are often set up with good intentions. A parent wants to make life easier for an adult child. A spouse wants to simplify access to money. Someone experiencing declining health wants help paying bills. At first glance, adding another person to a bank...
Many families are surprised to learn that a document that does not meet Ontario’s formal will requirements may still be recognized by the courts. This issue often arises when a loved one passes away leaving behind an unsigned draft, a handwritten note, or even an...
