What to do with the deceased’s cards?

Posted on June 30, 2025 by gg_admin

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ESTATE ADMINISTRATION – WHAT TO DO WITH ALL OF THE DECEASED’S CARDS?

There are different requirements and recommendations relating to the various cards when someone dies – credit cards, health card, Social Insurance Card, etc. – once those cards are no longer needed.

To reduce the risk of identity theft (it does still occur after a person has died), cards should be physically destroyed. The Executor / Estate Trustee should also ensure the cards are returned to the issuer, so identity theft does not result in liability to the estate. Some issuers have forms that need to be submitted with the pieces of the card, although most do not. Continue reading →

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Power of Attorney With Only One Witness

Posted on June 23, 2025 by gg_admin

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POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR PROPERTY WITH ONLY ONE WITNESS

Prior to 1995 the law did not require 2 witnesses to a Power of Attorney for Property. The law was changed in 1995 to require 2 witnesses.

Provided a pre-1995 Power of Attorney for Property otherwise complies with the Rules which existed at the time, it is not invalid because it only has 1 witness.

CONTACT US

Feel free to contact us at any point for assistance or advice with respect to Estate Law, Estate Planning, Estate Administration or Estate Litigation. We may be reached at 705-435-4339 / 1-877-85LEGAL (1-877-855-3425) or contact us via email.

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Holograph Will – Write your own Will

Posted on June 16, 2025 by gg_admin

WRITING YOUR OWN WILL IS REFERRED TO AS A HOLOGRAPH WILL

Contrary to popular belief, an Ontario Will may be valid even if there are no witnesses to the Will.

If a Will is made entirely in the handwriting of the testator (person making the Will) and signed by that person, no witnesses are required to sign the Will. Such a Will is called a Holograph Will. Continue reading →

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How Can I Pay Funeral Expenses?

Posted on June 9, 2025 by gg_admin

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HOW CAN I PAY FUNERAL EXPENSES?

When a person dies, unless they have prepaid for their funeral, this expense will have to be paid by the Estate Trustee or Executor. Often there are no funds available to pay the funeral expenses as the deceased person’s money is in bank accounts that have been frozen because of the death.  Continue reading →

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Emotional Issues, Succession Planning and Family Businesses

Posted on June 2, 2025 by gg_admin

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SUCCESSION PLANNING IN FAMILY BUSINESSES CAN BECOME BOGGED DOWN BY EMOTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT

Family is the key word in Family Business. The emotional and historical ties that bind the family together can positively and negatively impact the viability of the Family Business. One of the most effective ways to mitigate the negative aspects of emotional family entanglement is to actively, enthusiastically and diligently engage in the process of succession planning.
Most businesses, family owned or not, appreciate that succession planning requires the involvement of outside advisors. Unfortunately, the tendency is to narrow the advisor support to lawyers, accountants and business consultants. All are essential in order to deal with the hard issues of business development, maintenance, and legacy, but most are ill-suited to address the “soft issues” that permeate family businesses. Continue reading →

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Mortgage Prepayment Penalty

Posted on May 26, 2025 by gg_admin

MORTGAGE PREPAYMENT PENALTIES

If you have a closed mortgage and you sell your property (or refinance it) you will be charged a prepayment penalty. The amount of the penalty will be determined by the terms of your mortgage. In Ontario it is common for the prepayment penalty to be the greater of the interest rate differential and three months’ interest. Continue reading →

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Using a Power of Attorney to Close a Real Estate Transaction

Posted on May 19, 2025 by gg_admin

IT IS BECOMING MORE DIFFICULT TO USE A POA TO CLOSE A REAL ESTATE DEAL

People who are buying or selling a house may consider having a Power of Attorney so someone else can sign for them if they are not going to be around to sign the closing documents. The use of Powers of Attorney to close purchase, sale or mortgage transactions is becoming increasingly difficult. Continue reading →

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Pre-arranged Funerals

Posted on May 12, 2025 by gg_admin

MOST ONTARIO FUNERAL HOMES WILL ALLOW YOU TO PRE-ARRANGE YOUR FUNERAL

You can also prepay your funeral but that is not necessary in order to pre-arrange your funeral. For more information click HERE.

Most people arranging funerals for loved ones have never done it before and the death of the loved one is generally unexpected. As a consequence, those arranging funerals for the recently deceased are ill equipped to make sensible decisions. Continue reading →

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Prepaying Your Funeral

Posted on May 5, 2025 by gg_admin

MOST ONTARIO FUNERAL HOMES WILL ALLOW YOU TO PREPAY YOUR FUNERAL

Additionally you can pre-plan your funeral. For more information on this click HERE

The funeral prepayment does not go to the funeral home before your death. In Ontario, historically prepayments were held in GIC investments in trust for the customer. These days, prepaid funerals may be funded through a life insurance contract. Continue reading →

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HST is Applicable on the Real Estate Commission

Posted on April 28, 2025 by gg_admin

13% ON THE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE SELLING PRICE

If you are selling your home and using a real estate agent, you will be aware that you will have to pay commission on the sale price. Many sellers, however, are not aware that they also have to pay HST (13%) on the amount of the commission.

Be sure to budget for the HST on the real estate commission when you are selling your home. Continue reading →

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