Wills and Estates

Updating Your Estate Plan: When and Why It Is Necessary

Creating an estate plan is a crucial step in ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are well taken care of once you have passed. However, creating an estate plan is not a...

By Patrick R.J. Fontaine of Merovitz Potechin LLP on Tuesday August 22, 2023.

Improving Access to Justice in Estate Matters

Updated post - June 29, 2021 Effective January 1, 2022: Changes Improving Access to Justice in Estate Matters Updated post - May 6, 2021 Update on Improving Access to Justice in Estate Matters In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the...

By Merovitz Potechin on Tuesday March 23, 2021.

Did they forget about me? A Primer on Dependent Support Claims

In Ontario, if a testator (will-maker) fails to account for you in their will, and they had an obligation to support you, you can sue the deceased’s estate on the basis that you are a dependent of the deceased under...

By Merovitz Potechin on Wednesday October 21, 2020.

How to Protect the Elderly from Will Revocation Upon Predatory Marriage.

With the population in Ontario aging rapidly and predatory marriages on the rise, the Ontario government is concerned for elderly persons that are being approached by financial predators, whose exclusive motivation for entering into a relationship with the elderly person...

By Merovitz Potechin on Tuesday September 8, 2020.

Evidence in Will Interpretation

Wills can be complex, and sometimes interpreting the exact wishes of a Will-maker (testator) can be confusing. What is a beneficiary supposed to do when a clause in the Will is vague or ambiguous? Consider the following scenario: John Doe...

By Merovitz Potechin on Tuesday July 21, 2020.

Using Video Conference to Witness Wills and Powers of Attorney

Until April 7, 2020, all non-handwritten Wills required two witnesses to be physically present in the same room as the will-maker to sign the Will. Failure to comply with this requirement would render the Will invalid. It is of no...

By Merovitz Potechin on Wednesday April 22, 2020.