Beneficiaries: Protecting Your Benefits
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]July 2, 2014 By Paul Jasiura Beneficiaries under the Will of a friend or relative often anticipate that they will receive their inheritance very shortly after the death, and are disappointed or annoyed by how long it is taking for the estate trustee to send the cheque. They then ask us what they can do to […]
Straight Talk About Wills
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]May 26, 2014 By Fhara Pottinger You’ve been meaning to do it for ages. Get a Will. Perhaps some Powers of Attorney as well. It ends up on your “to do” list many times, often for several years. But finally, now is the time, you are going to get it done. The appointment is made and […]
There’s A Reason They Call It Legal Services…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]May 5, 2014 “$99 Wills”, the headlines scream. They have not come to Thunder Bay yet, but soon, perhaps. What’s the catch? Simple – these low prices reflect the view that legal services are commodities or consumer goods. And even more – that they are all the same. At Weilers, our clients are not merely […]
The Electronic Commerce Act And Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]May 30, 2012 The introduction of the Electronic Commerce Act has been important in addressing advances in technology and the ever-growing reliance on electronic communication. It is now possible to enter into contracts that are entirely electronic. As a side note, the Act does not apply to the following documents: wills and codicils; trusts created […]
Disabled Beneficiaries And Discretionary Trusts
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]January 11, 2012 By Paul Jasiura Do you have disabled children? or grandchildren? or others who are or could potentially become beneficiaries of an interest in your Estate? Are your present plans of Investments and Life Insurance in danger of simply replacing Government Benefits otherwise available to these children or grandchildren? Are you aware of the […]
Registered Disability Savings Plan And Ontario Disability Support Program
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]January 5, 2012 One in every ten Canadian families is affected by a disability. Depending on the nature of the disability and the person’s financial status, he or she may be eligible to receive government assistance to help with various costs of living or even to help with saving for the future. The following are […]
What Is A Power Of Attorney For Personal Care And A Power Of Attorney For Property
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]August 15, 2011 A Power of Attorney for Personal Care delegates to your named attorney or attorneys the authority to make decisions regarding your care. Your attorney or attorneys can only exercise the authority under the Power of Attorney for Personal Care if one or more physicians determine that you are no longer capable of […]
Wills: Don’t Wait, Do It Now
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]July 21, 2011 By Brian Babcock Sometimes unexpected illness or declines in mental health occur before you can prepare your will or update it to reflect changes in assets or intentions. More often, however, delay is the result of inattention. The cost of this omission can be expensive court proceedings regarding the estate and unnecessary stress […]
Should I Transfer My House To My Children?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]July 18, 2011 By Brian Babcock This question arises frequently during estate planning, either at a lawyer’s office or while consulting financial planners. There are often good reasons to transfer the house to adult children. This may avoid probate, which both speeds up a sale after death and reduces probate fees (taxes). If the parent is […]
Can Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease Make A Will?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]June 2, 2011 By Brian Babcock There are many good reasons to make your will now, rather than putting it off. Accident and illness generally are always risks, but increasingly, diminished mental capacity is becoming an issue. Although diminished capacity does not necessarily mean incapacity, it can create confusion, increase costs, and increases the risk that […]