Many families are surprised to learn that a document that does not meet Ontario’s formal will requirements may still be recognized by the courts. This issue often arises when a loved one passes away leaving behind an unsigned draft, a handwritten note, or even an...
When a person dies without a will, they are said to have died intestate. Without a will, there is no executor named to handle the estate. Yet, someone still needs legal authority to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute what remains to the rightful heirs. In...
Probate a Lost or Missing Will in Ontario When someone passes away, families often look to the will for guidance. But what happens if the will is missing, destroyed, or cannot be found? In Ontario, it is still possible to probate a lost will, but the process...
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...
In Ontario, it is common for individuals to arrange their affairs so that certain assets pass outside of probate. These can include jointly held property, insurance policies, RRSPs, TFSAs, and other assets with named beneficiaries. While these tools can simplify...
Acting as an estate trustee is a serious responsibility – and Ontario courts are increasingly willing to hold trustees personally accountable when they fail to uphold their fiduciary duties. In some cases, trustees have been removed from their role or ordered to...
