It is popular these days for people to make Representation Agreements. Legislative changes in recent years have made it easier for adults to plan their end-of-life treatment, and more of us are taking advantage. The latest legislative changes, in 2011, made the Power of Attorney the only planning document for managing a person’s financial affairs and […]
The B.C. Supreme Court made an interesting decision recently in the Wills Variation case of Eastman v. Eastman. The case was launched in 2003, after the deceased’s widow felt, in essence, that her life interest in the house was an unfair bequest after an 18-year (second) marriage. Her negotiations with the Executors (the deceased’s children) […]
Reasons for judgement were recently released in the case Re Leniuk Estate. The deceased left a Will in which two Executors were appointed. Part of the Estate was bequeathed to the deceased’s grandchildren, one of whom was still under age 19. The Executors wanted the grandchild’s guardian to hold the part allocated to that grandchild (about […]
In its famous 2015 Carter decision, the Supreme Court of Canada decriminalized physician-assisted death but kept the existing ban in place for a year, ordering the Federal Government to enact a new law. In January (as summarized in a thorough article in Lawyers Weekly), the Supreme Court heard a Federal Government application for an extension and granted it, somewhat reluctantly. […]
The heaviest influence on Estate administration (and litigation) in the last 20 years or so may have been the dramatic rise in real estate values in the Lower Mainland. There was a time (in my memory) when a house and some money in the bank meant a “modest” Estate which was not high enough in […]
Though I respect the Globe and Mail, I disagree with a recent article by Augusta Dwyer. It quotes Douglas Gray, author of The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning. Mr. Gray seems to feel that being an Executor (now called “Personal Representative” in B.C.) is probably the most stressful experience you’ll ever have. I have […]
A recent article published in the Business in Vancouver paper suggests that B.C.’s economy will lead Canada in growth, at 3.1%. Truth be told, however, in my view it is as tough as ever to predict how things will go. The Federal Liberals seem content to let interest rates stay where they are, which should help our […]
A recent CNN.com article talks about the “Las Vegas” centre in Yokohama. It’s actually a care facility, with a room converted into a casino. The residents-turned-gamblers enjoy various games, including Mahjong and baccarat, complete with casino chimes and pings. Mr. Kaoru Mori, Chairman of the Japan Elderly Care Service (operator of the Las Vegas centre), […]
As far as I can tell, 2015 was a hard year for many Canadians. Our population continues to age, and more of us (me included) are experiencing the deterioration of our parents’ health. Too many younger people this year suffered tragedy as well. Our Federal government has changed, and that will lead next year to some significant […]
Here’s what I know about Oklahoma: a) great basketball team (used to be in Seattle); b) good state for college football (the Sooners); c) the old, good song about being “24 hours from Tulsa.” Of course, there’s much more. A recent article in the Tulsa World newspaper discusses aging in Oklahoma and gives advice for baby […]