Estate planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. With the start of a new year, it’s the perfect time to tackle items you may have been putting off, including creating or updating your estate plan. We have the biggest estate planning mistakes and how to avoid them on our blog.
Wills & Estates
Death binders. A morbid thought, but very beneficial.
Collecting and keeping all of the family’s most important pieces of legal and financial information together and in a secure location can be a tremendous resource in the event of an unexpected (or eventual) death. A death binder is an estate planning tool that you should use to organize and store all documents and notes that your partner and loved ones should have access to if you pass away.
Estate Administration Tax… not fun, but necessary. Here’s how to handle it.
Estate Administrative Tax (EAT) is also known as probate fees. There’s no way to get out of paying them, but there are a few things to consider when trying to reduce the amount that your beneficiaries will have to pay from your estate after you are gone. Here is what you need to know about Estate Administration Tax.
Tips for selling a property that is a part of an estate
When settling the estate of an individual there are often hurdles and hiccups that must be navigated. If you are an Executor of an estate that has property to sell, we expect that you may have some serious questions. Read more about what to expect when you are...
Pets are considered property and nothing more in the eyes of the law. Plan accordingly.
In Ontario, pets are considered property so the same rules of guardianship of your children do not apply. In fact, when it comes to your estate your beloved cat is considered as no more valuable than your couch, or your sweet dog is only as important as your dining room table
Estate Planning for New Parents
Planning for your new family should include making changes to your will or creating a will if you have not already done so.
Many new parents often overlook the process of planning for their future when it comes to their family. We want to share how important it is to have an estate plan in place even before you start a family.
What Assets Should Be Included in Your Will?
One of the biggest challenges of estate planning is ensuring that your assets end up in the hands of the people you choose. Every will is going to be unique based on your assets and your beneficiaries, but when you work with an estate planning lawyer the process doesn’t have to be complicated.
When you plan your estate with McMurter & Associates we have a specific formula that we work with to ensure that all your assets are properly handled.
What to expect when you are appointed as an Executor in Ontario
What are the responsibilities of an Executor? In the simplest terms, an Executor carries out the wishes of the deceased as outlined in their will.
Protecting your loved ones living with a disability through estate planning
When estate planning, you might be wondering how you can leave assets to someone who does not have the capacity to care for themselves due to living with a disability. We understand that there is a constant worry about trying to protect them even after you are gone.
Why does appointing a Power of Attorney matter?
Making a power of attorney or other arrangements as part of your life planning allows you to choose whom you want to make decisions for you should you become mentally incapable.