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...
What Happens If an Executor Refuses to Pass Their Accounts in Ontario? An executor cannot simply refuse to account. In Ontario, executors have a legal obligation to maintain proper records and to account to the beneficiaries when required. When that obligation is...
Yes. An executor can be personally liable in Ontario if they fail to properly carry out their duties in administering an estate. This is not a theoretical risk. Executors step into a fiduciary role that carries real legal obligations, and where those obligations are...
