Who Has the Right to Make Funeral Decisions in Ontario? Funeral decisions are often made quickly, and sometimes in the middle of conflict. In Ontario, the question of who has the legal right to make those decisions is more structured than many people expect. But the...
Do You Need Probate for Bank Accounts in Ontario? In many cases, yes. Probate is often required to access a bank account in Ontario. However, it is not always required. Whether probate is needed depends on how the account is held and how the financial institution...
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 an Executor Pay Their Legal Fees from the Estate in Ontario? In many cases, yes. An executor can use estate funds to pay legal fees. But that entitlement is not automatic, and it is not unlimited. In Ontario, the key question is whether the legal fees were...
Executor Compensation in Ontario: How Much Can an Executor Be Paid? Executor compensation in Ontario is not fixed, but there are commonly accepted guidelines. In many cases, compensation is described as being “up to 5%” of the value of the estate. While this figure is...
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...
