One of the most common questions we hear from beneficiaries is: “Why is this taking so long?” Estate administration in Ontario can be a complex process, and while there is no fixed deadline by law, executors are expected to move at a reasonable pace. If you’re an...
Administering an estate isn’t a suggestion — it’s a legal obligation. And when a trustee fails to fulfill that obligation, the court has no issue stepping in. The Ontario Superior Court’s decision in Hockney v. Kneeland, 2025 ONSC 1309, makes it clear: executors who...
When someone is named as an executor in a will, they have the legal responsibility to manage and distribute the estate according to the deceased’s wishes. However, not all executors are willing or able to fulfill this role. Whether due to personal reasons, conflicts,...
For many Canadians, estate planning feels like a task to put off for another day. Shockingly, over half of Canadians do not have a will, leaving their loved ones vulnerable to unnecessary legal and emotional challenges. At Kimel Law Group, we often see the unfortunate...
In the intricate landscape of estate planning and administration in Ontario, one crucial document holds significant sway: the Probate Certificate. For those uninitiated in legal jargon, the term might sound daunting. However, understanding its importance is paramount...
In the realm of estate administration in Ontario, the role of an estate trustee (also known as an executor) is critical. Estate trustees are entrusted with managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets according to their will. However, one aspect that may...