Tax and Estate Planning - MUNERA

What to Do When your Loved One Passes Away in Ontario: A Practical Guide

Written by: Dina Nikseresht The loss of a loved one is a tragic and difficult experience. On top of the grief, you may find yourself responsible for managing their affairs. It’s common to feel unsure and overwhelmed about what needs to be done and in what order. This guide breaks down the typical steps involved...

Tax and Estate Planning

The Clock Is Ticking: Limitation Periods in Will Drafting Errors

Written by: Dina Nikseresht Case comment: Tessaro v. Gora, 2025 ONSC 198 The Ontario Superior Court’s decision in Tessaro v. Gora¹ highlights the application of the ultimate limitation period on matters dealing with professional negligence in will drafting. Case Background In 1991, Leopold Ryczkowski retained the defendant lawyer to draft his will. The will names...

Family, Litigation, Tax and Estate Planning

Your Holiday To-Do: Refreshing Your Will and Estate Plan

Written by: Dina Nikseresht An important part of the holiday season is taking the time to reflect on our past year and plan for our future. While estate planning may not be on everyone’s list of resolutions, it is an essential step to ensuring the security of you and your family. As the year winds...

Family, Tax and Estate Planning

The Role of an Executor: What You Should Know Before Taking on the Role

Written by: Dina Nikseresht Being named an Executor involves significant responsibility and legal obligations. Executors are appointed to manage and distribute an estate according to the instructions laid out in the will, ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are carried out properly. Before agreeing to take on this role, it is important to understand what the...

Family, Tax and Estate Planning

All about Trusts

A trust is a relationship which arises when an individual is asked to hold real or personal property by legal title for the benefit of an individual or individuals known as beneficiaries. A trust is therefore an obligation binding a person to deal with the trust property as a separate fund distinct from their own...

Tax and Estate Planning

Roles of Attorneys, Trustees, and Guardians

An important aspect of estate planning is appointing a power of attorney so that you have a trusted representative to carry out affairs on your behalf when needed. At common law, a power of attorney is a legal document that proves that authority was given by grantor to another person, the attorney to act on...

Tax and Estate Planning

Claims to Dispute or Challenge a Will or Estate in Ontario

What is an Estate? Estate, in its broadest sense, refers to all a person’s possessions (assets, liabilities, etc.) at the time of their passing. An appointed executor or administrator oversees managing the affairs of an estate. What is a Will? A legal document known as a “Last Will and Testament”, or a Will, specifies how...

Tax and Estate Planning

The End is Near: Remote Execution of Wills and Powers of Attorney

Family, Tax and Estate Planning

What is an Alter Ego Trust?

This article will provide information regarding Inter Vivos Trusts, in particular Alter Ego Trusts.

Tax and Estate Planning