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...
Wills & Estates
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.
What happens to your digital assets after your pass away?
What happens to your Facebook profile after you become incapacitated or pass away? What about your email account? The rest of your digital assets? In Ontario, there is no legislation dealing with this type of ownership, so you may wish to include digital asset transfer of ownership in your will. Your digital estate plan should include your passwords and your wishes for these accounts after you are no longer able to control them.
What if my common-law partner dies without a will?
According to the law, common-law relationships are not treated the same as married couples in Ontario. If your common-law partner dies without a will and has not named the surviving partner a beneficiary on their assets, the survivor will be omitted from the estate and all assets will be divided amongst children and the deceased’s family.
Pet Guardianship
Your pets are a big part of your family. So, what happens to them after you are gone? If you are suddenly incapacitated or pass away, do you have a plan for your beloved pet?