Canada: Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning

Second marriages are complicated, emotionally, legally, and financially. When they involve two people with children from prior relationships, large differences in net worth, and unclear expectations around contingencies...

A common question we receive as estate lawyers is whether it is necessary to make a Will. What’s the big deal about dying without one?

Following are our summaries of the civil decisions of the Court of Appeal for Ontario for the week of March 9, 2026.

The British Columbia Court of Appeal's recent decision in Kroeger v. Bush Estate, 2026 BCCA 16, is a powerful reminder that a properly signed will is not always a valid will.

Canadian families are more global than ever and this trend will only continue.

An Attorney for Property has the "power to do on the incapable person's behalf anything in respect of property that the person could do if capable, except make a will," says subsection 31(1) of the Substitute Decisions Act (Ontario) ("SDA").

Congratulations—you've started the year by accomplishing an important goal: you've signed your Will! You feel good knowing you've chosen a trusted executor, protected your hard-earned assets for your children, and provided for the people you care about most.

When a loved one dies, taxes can impose a substantial and often unexpected burden on their estate.

Ontario wills and estates lawyer Ishita Chopra explains probate in Ontario and how it affects the administration of an estate. While probate is not always required, once one asset must be probated...