Applying for Probate: A Taxing Affair
The Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (the “Certificate”) (formerly Letters Probate) is required by some third parties dealing with the executors and trustees in order to confirm the date of death and the executors’ and trustees’ authority to act. It is issued in both cases where there is or is not a will. Before […]
Protecting Your Estate
“Protecting Your Estate” for Markham Public Library, Unionville, Canada, October 4, 2010
Maximizing Your Finances and Protecting Your Estate
“Maximizing Your Finances and Protecting Your Estate” for Richmond Hill Public Library, Richmond Hill, Canada, September 28, 2010
Mortgage Pre-Approvals Are Not Guarantees
A mortgage pre-approval is a document from a lender stating that a prospective buyer may have the income, assets and credit to carry the mortgage required to purchase a house of some assumed value. Some of its uses are briefly described here: The initial review of your financial profile indicates the maximum loan amount a […]
Appointing Guardians and Custodians for Minor Children
One of the most important estate planning considerations for parents is who will care for their minor children in case of the parents’ untimely deaths. Indeed, for many parents, appointing custodians for their children will be the sole reason they undertake any estate planning at all at that relatively early stage in their lives. There […]
Protecting Your Estate
“Protecting Your Estate” for C.A.R.P Canada, Vaughan, Canada, June 19, 2010
Wills and Powers of Attorney
“Wills and Powers of Attorney” for Pierre Berton Resource Library, Woodbridge, Canada, June 10, 2010
Wills and Powers of Attorney
“Wills and Powers of Attorney” for York Region Community Foundation, Unionville, Canada, April 26, 2010
The Risks of Buying A Home With An Unconditional Offer
In a seller’s market, there is keen competition for homes in many price brackets. Buyers are anxious and worried about losing a bidding war on a seemingly perfect property. Furthermore, the heated market may cause buyers to feel pressured to make an unconditional offer. No inspection. No financing condition.
No Will?…Then What is Your Spouse Entitled To?
I have recently been concerned by the number of people that assume that their spouse will receive their entire estate should they die without a will (also called dying “intestate”). However, as we will briefly explore here, that will not necessarily be the outcome.