Estate planning is much more than just drafting and signing a will. There are ways to minimize estate tax or probate tax that you can discuss with both your lawyer and your financial planner. Here are just a few points about what forms part of…
Category: News
Toronto Water Unsafe?
And this is news? A Toronto Star Investigation has reported that 13% of homes where water was tested in the City of Toronto have unsafe levels of lead. This may come as a surprise to home owners and consumers, but it certainly isn’t news to…
Why "DIY" can leave you SOL!
There are many ways that “Do It Yourself” could save you a lot of money and leave you with quite pleasant results. Refinishing an old dresser, picking up furniture at a garage sale for a few bucks and refinishing it to look fabulous in your…
Seller Property Information Statement
I have always been wary of the SPIS. It makes me uncomfortable for a number of reasons.I know I am not alone in my concerns and the use of the statement is a hotly debated issues in brokerage offices across the country. Some agents favour…
And the bidding wars begin...
With the real estate market picking up momentum, the spring promises to be a busy one for the GTA market. Good for me, good for real estate agents, good for the economy, good for sellers, but is it good for buyers? I caught a bit…
Choosing an Estate Trustee
When sitting down with a client to draft an estate plan, one of the most important elements is choosing an executor or estate trustee. The executor is the person that is appointed, through your will, to administer the estate. But what does this really mean?…
DIVISION OF FAMILY PROPERTY – WHO GETS WHAT
Going through a legal separation and divorce is emotionally draining, daunting and complicated. Some of the issues foremost in the minds of those considering taking this step are will I get support and if so, how much; how much will child support be; and what…
Buying a home - tips for the prospective purchaser
Buying a home will likely be your biggest and most important investment. The key is to do your homework in advance, and enlist the right people to help you along the way. The following are a few tips for the prospective purchaser. Finding a Real…
Just Like Being Married...
One of the most common misnomers we come across with clients and at seminars and conferences, is: that once you have lived in a common law relationship for a number of years (one, two or more) that it is as if you are actually married.…
Have you thought about your estate plan?
One of the most important things one must do is a proper estate plan. My rule of thumb is that as soon as you have property (money on deposit, investments, real property etc.) or have kids, you need to have a will. It is truly…