The Powers of Attorney Act was amended in April of 2022, introducing new rules for Attorneys to follow when they begin to act on behalf of someone. Almost two years later, many Attorneys are still not aware of the new rules. This article outlines the new obligations under the Act. Older Power of Attorney documents […]
Category: Wills & Estates
What If I don’t have an executor?
It is not uncommon for us to hear from our clients that they haven’t prepared a Will because they don’t have a person they could ask to be their Executor.
When do you need a will?
A common question for lawyers is “When do I need a will?”
Do grandparents have “rights” in Nova Scotia?
Changes to legislation in the past few years have prompted some people to ask questions about whether grandparents now have “rights” in Nova Scotia in relation to their grandchildren. While amendments have made it easier for grandparents to apply for custody or access, they did not create any “rights” or presumptions for grandparents. Changes to […]
What’s the Story on Will Kits?
Almost every time I present a seminar on estate planning, the question comes up – can I just use a Will kit? This is not something I recommend, so my answer is usually the same, you shouldn’t. Unfortunately, many people still use will kits because they appear economical, but the result of using one can […]
The Path to Preparing a Will
People are hesitant to prepare their Will for a variety of reasons. Most feel that the process is stressful and unnecessary. The reality is that the majority of people who take the time to prepare their Will feel a great sense of relief and contentment after the process is complete. In terms of being necessary….well, […]
I have a Will, so why do I have to Probate?
Having a valid Will when you die does not mean that your estate will not have to be probated. When you draft a Will you will say who you want to inherit your stuff (all of the assets you own) and you appoint someone in your Will (the Executor) who is responsible for paying your […]
Why you’re not too young to get a Power of Attorney
Many people are hesitant to acquire a Power of Attorney when they are young and that is understandable since many don’t envision that such a document would be needed at early stages of life. The problem with that thinking is that if you do not acquire it early enough, depending on the circumstances, you may […]
Are wills just for older folk?
The answer to that question is an emphatic NO. Now I will explain why. I’ll first start by explaining what a Will is. A Will is simply a legal document that states what you want done with the things you own (your “estate”) after you die. It’s important to make a Will, no matter what […]