Losing a loved one is often an emotionally overwhelming experience, and amidst the grief, managing legal matters can add another layer of complexity. Yet it most often falls to those closest to the deceased to manage the administrative burden created by death. A...

After a person dies someone has to look after the assets of that person and pay the person's debts. Although the person is no longer here, his or her affairs must be finalised and the person to finalise the affairs is appointed by the Will of the deceased. Where a...

An estate plan involves more than signing a Will and leaving it in a safe place. An effective estate plan requires consideration of several matters and ongoing review to ensure it reflects your testamentary wishes and covers unexpected events. In this article we look...

When someone passes away, questions about inheritance naturally arise. In cases where someone has not been adequately provided for following the death of a loved one, Family Provision Claims exist to help make the situation fairer. This article discusses some of the...

Did you know that a handwritten note could constitute a valid will? As an informal document, this would not be automatically recognized, and you would need to seek court approval for it. However, the courts are willing to give effect to your testamentary intentions,...

Legally, you do not need a lawyer to make a Will. Online resources offer “free” or cheap Wills, and websites sell Do-It-Yourself Will kits that can be downloaded or delivered, which are typically inexpensive. However, while making a Will is possible without a lawyer,...

We should all plan for our future. Certainly, we should all have a current will, and many of us would also benefit from making formal arrangements to account for the possibility of being unable to make our own decisions. We are often asked by clients how to apply for...