Articles 2021

Today
Today

OBA's Guide to the Court's Presumptive Modes of Appearance

  • June 26, 2023

Although the advent of virtual hearings has brought with it many advantages, it has also led to some confusion given differences in the presumptive mode of appearance in different courts. The OBA has created a helpful chart to assist in determining the mode of hearing.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Brown Bag Lunch – June 20, 2023

  • June 26, 2023
  • Rebecca Kennedy, Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP

The final Brown Bag Lunch of the OBA’s 2022-2023 term was held on June 20. As always, attendees came ready to share their wisdom and practice tips with others, including on the topics of estate planning for the family cottage, filing procedures for applications to prove a lost Will, and options to avoid probate.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Brown Bag Lunch – May 15, 2023

  • June 25, 2023
  • Rebecca Kennedy, Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP

In May, members of the OBA’s Trusts and Estates section met for the monthly Brown Bag Lunch. Topics discussed included advertising for creditors, tips for dealing with TFSAs, and beneficiary designations.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Insights from the OBA’s “Issues in Estate Administration” Program

  • May 02, 2023
  • Kostas Renieris, student-at-law, Goddard Gamage LLP

Estate administration can seem like a minefield even to the most seasoned practitioners. With every stage comes the risk of a misstep and with it, costly delays, legal disputes, and bitter family feuds. A recent OBA program provided guidance and solutions to help practitioners navigate the complexities of an estate administration.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Evening with Estate Judges

  • May 02, 2023
  • Rebecca Kennedy, Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP

The OBA Trusts and Estates Law Section hosted an Evening with Estate Judges on April 25. The Honourable Justices Dietrich, Gilmore, and Fowler Byrne attended and shared invaluable advice and tips with members of the estates bar.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Revocation of Beneficiary Designations by Will and the case of Alger v Crumb

  • May 02, 2023
  • Jennifer A.N. Corak, partner, Minden Gross LLP

In the recent decision of Alger v Crumb, the Ontario Court of Appeal considered a general revocation clause in a testator’s Will, and whether it was sufficient to revoke beneficiary designations for the testator’s RRIF and TFSA. In this article, Jennifer Corak reviews the Court of Appeal’s considerations and conclusion.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Laws in Canada

  • May 02, 2023
  • Andrea Tratnik, partner, Trusts and Estates Group, Beard Winter LLP; Christina Kim, associate, Trusts and Estates Group, Beard Winter LLP

MAID is a complex topic and the laws surrounding it require a delicate balance of competing considerations – from preserving a person’s dignity to protecting those who are vulnerable. MAID laws have been subject to considerable review and development since their introduction, and it is expected that they will continue to evolve as the concept develops. Andrea Tratnik and Christina Kim review the history and current status of MAID laws in Canada.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Ontario Estates Bench-Bar Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes - January 16, 2023

  • May 02, 2023
  • Ontario Estates Bench-Bar Liaison Committee

In January 2023, the Ontario Estates Bench-Bar Liaison Committee met to discuss various matters, including scheduling issues, issues that can arise in applications for an ancillary grant or resealing, timing for filing confirmation forms, and the requirement for filing compendiums.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Brown Bag Lunch – April 18, 2023

  • May 02, 2023
  • Rebecca Kennedy, Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP

On April 18, members of the OBA Trusts and Estates Law Section met to discuss practice tips and share their experiences. As usual, participants had a lively discussion on topics such as joint accounts, and the new trust reporting requirements for bare trusts.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law

Brown Bag Lunch – March 21, 2023

  • May 01, 2023
  • Rebecca Kennedy, Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP

OBA members met in March for the monthly Brown Bag Lunch session. Topics discussed included the current turnaround time for probate applications, and the recent Grattan v Grattan decision in which the court relied on the new substantial compliance provision of the Succession Law Reform Act.

Student Forum, Trusts and Estates Law