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Can an Executor Be Removed in Ontario?
Removing an executor is not easy, but it is possible in Ontario. This article explains when a court will remove an executor and what evidence is required.
What Is Undue Influence in Ontario Estate Litigation?
Undue influence is one of the most common issues in Ontario estate disputes. This article explains what undue influence means, how courts assess it, and when legal challenges may arise.
When Is Guardianship Necessary in Ontario?
When someone loses the ability to manage their finances or personal care, families often face difficult decisions. This blog explains when guardianship becomes necessary in Ontario and how the court decides who can act.
Can a Power of Attorney Be Challenged in Ontario?
Powers of Attorney are powerful legal tools, but they are not immune from challenge. This blog explains when a Power of Attorney can be challenged in Ontario and what remedies may be available.
Moral Obligations Matter: Dependant Support Claims in Ontario
Dependant support claims in Ontario are not decided by rigid formulas alone. Recent court decisions confirm that moral obligations can play an important role in determining whether support should be paid from an estate. This article explains how Ontario courts are applying this principle and what it means for claimants and estates.
What Happens If Estate Assets Are Missing or Unaccounted For in Ontario?
When beneficiaries suspect that estate assets are missing or unaccounted for, confusion and mistrust quickly follow. This blog explains what happens in Ontario when estate assets cannot be accounted for and what steps can be taken.
When Do You Need a Passing of Accounts in Ontario?
Executors are often unsure when they must formally account to the court. Beneficiaries often do not know when they can demand it. This blog explains when a passing of accounts is required in Ontario and why it matters.
What Can a Beneficiary Do If an Executor Is Not Responding in Ontario? | Kimel Law Group
When an executor goes silent, beneficiaries often feel powerless. This blog explains what a beneficiary can do in Ontario if an executor is not responding and when court involvement may be necessary.
Can an Executor Sell Estate Property Without Beneficiary Consent in Ontario?
The sale of estate property often creates tension among beneficiaries. This blog explains when an executor in Ontario can sell estate property without beneficiary consent, what limits apply, and how disputes are handled.
Can an Executor Withhold an Inheritance in Ontario?
Beneficiaries are often surprised and frustrated when an executor delays distributing an inheritance. This post explains when an executor can legally withhold an inheritance in Ontario, when a delay may be improper, and what both executors and beneficiaries should know.
How Long Does an Executor Have to Distribute an Estate in Ontario
One of the most common questions beneficiaries ask is how long an executor has to distribute an estate in Ontario. While many people believe there is a strict one year rule, the truth is more nuanced. This blog explains how long the process really takes and what counts as a reasonable delay.
Who Gets to Be Estate Trustee When No One Is Appointed?
When no executor is named in a will, or when someone dies without a will, families are often unsure who can step in to administer the estate. This article explains how Ontario courts determine who becomes Estate Trustee when no one is appointed.
Joint Accounts in Ontario: Convenience, Risk and the Estate Planning Truth
Adding a child or family member to a joint account may seem like a simple solution to avoid probate or make finances easier. In Ontario the reality is more complex. This article explains the benefits, risks and legal consequences of joint accounts in estate planning.
When Can Ontario Courts Validate a Document as a Will?
Sometimes a document that looks like a will was never properly signed or witnessed. In Ontario, such a document may still be treated as a valid will under section 21.1 of the Succession Law Reform Act. This post explains when courts may validate a non-compliant document, what “fixed and final intention” means, and how this change impacts families and estates.
Who Can Be Administrator of an Estate in Ontario?
When someone passes away without a will, the estate still needs to be managed and distributed. This post explains who can act as the administrator of an estate in Ontario, how they are appointed, and what their legal responsibilities include.
Contesting a Will in Ontario: Grounds, Process and What to Expect
Few legal disputes are as personal and emotional as challenging a will. Contesting a will in Ontario can affect family relationships, financial legacies, and the administration of an estate. Understanding when and how a will can be challenged helps set...
Probate a Lost or Missing Will in Ontario: Steps, Evidence & Risks
What happens if a loved one’s will cannot be found after death? In Ontario, you may still probate a lost or missing will. This blog explains the process, what evidence is needed, and the risks to be aware of.
Can an Executor Be Paid in Ontario? Understanding Compensation and Disputes
Can an Executor Be Paid in Ontario? Taking on the role of executor is a big responsibility. Executors often ask: can I be paid for this work? In Ontario, the answer is yes. Executors are entitled to compensation for the time, effort, and risk involved in...
Who Can Be Estate Trustee Without a Will in Ontario?
When someone passes away without leaving a will, they’re considered to have died intestate. That means there’s no executor named - so, who takes charge? In Ontario, the court appoints someone to administer the estate, and that person is called an Estate Trustee...
Top 5 Mistakes Executors Make in Ontario (and How to Avoid Them)
Appointed to manage the estate of a loved one, an executor in Ontario has both authority and legal duty — and with that comes potential risk. Acting without proper guidance can expose an executor to delays, disputes, or even personal liability. At Kimel Law Group, we...