What Happens When a Beneficiary Refuses to Leave Estate Property in Ontario? An estate is ready to move forward, but there is a problem. One of the beneficiaries is living in the deceased’s home and refuses to leave. The estate trustee wants to sell the property. The...
What Happens If a Beneficiary Dies Before Receiving Their Inheritance in Ontario? The estate is nearly ready to distribute. Three beneficiaries are each entitled to one-third. Before the estate trustee writes the cheques, one of those beneficiaries dies. What happens...
When Estate Trustees Cannot Agree: Why Ontario Courts Turn to an ETDL Two estate trustees are appointed to administer the same estate. They disagree about an asset. Neither trusts the other’s position. One wants to pursue a claim. The other opposes it. Meanwhile,...
What Are the Rights of a Common-Law Spouse When Someone Dies in Ontario? A couple can live together for twenty years, raise children, share expenses, and build a life together. Then one partner dies without a will. The surviving partner may be shocked to discover that...
What Happens If a Beneficiary Refuses to Sign a Release in Ontario? The estate is ready to distribute. The estate trustee sends the beneficiaries a final accounting together with a release. Most beneficiaries sign it. One does not. What happens next? This situation...
Can an Executor Resign After Probate Has Been Granted in Ontario? Many people accept the role of executor believing they are simply carrying out a loved one’s final wishes. Only after the administration begins do they appreciate the scope of the responsibility....
