Estate Planning

Why You Should Prepare Your Will

Preparing your will is an important step in ensuring your loved ones are cared for when you're gone, and that you leave a legacy you're happy with.

3 min. read

Tips to Successfully Transfer Wealth to the Next Generation

An avalanche of personal wealth will transfer to Canada’s next generation between now and 2026. Experts indicate that roughly $1 trillion of financial assets will shift into the hands of our children and grandchildren. Are they prepared?

5 min. read

5 Mistakes That Will Cost You When Hiring a Lawyer

You may have heard of that friend of a friend who spent a fortune on legal fees, and now you’re worried that working with a lawyer will cost you your firstborn and then some. Don’t let the fear of legal fees stop you from reaching out to a lawyer. There are ways to keep your legal fees manageable and within budget, and it starts with knowing the mistakes to avoid before you choose your lawyer.

5 min. read

Selling Sunset: How To Know The Right Time To Sell Your Family Cottage

A cottage is a special place for families, not just to have somewhere to vacation in summer, but where children grow up, make memories and everyone is part of a larger community of lake-dwellers. But how do you know when to let go of the responsibility of owning and maintaining a summer home?

5 min. read

5 Things to Consider Before Writing Your Will

Here’s a helpful list of things to consider that will prepare you for writing your last will and testament. 

5 min. read

What Is A Will And Why Is It Important?

Preparing for death isn’t a pleasant task, but it's absolutely crucial if you want to protect your family and your assets. Here are a few things that might help you consider writing a will sooner than later.

5 min. read

Preparing for Death: Legal and Financial Steps

Preparing for death is one of the best ways to protect your family during a time of grief. Here’s what you need to consider.

5 min. read

Awkward Conversations: Talking to your parents about your inheritance

Talk about money is already taboo, but asking your parents about your potential inheritance is even harder to bring up. Let's explore how to discuss money with your parents in a sensitive manner.

5 min. read

What is A Holograph Will?

Whether or not it's legally binding, a holograph will might not be the best choice. Here's a few reasons why directly from our law experts.

1 min. read

Life insurance: Is it worth it and why do I need it?

Maybe you have a life insurance policy through your workplace, one that you signed up for long ago, or maybe you don’t have one yet. In this article learn about the different types, why it may be worth it, and how much life insurance you should have.

5 min. read

Why you can (and should) still get a Will, even during a public emergency period

What’s on your to-do list? Haley A. Irwin, associate at McKercher LLP discusses why during a public emergency period is the best time to update or write your will.

5 min. read

Choosing Beneficiaries: Whether Property Falls Inside or Outside the Estate Matters

By understanding the difference between what falls inside or outside the estate, you can plan better for the future & your family. Learn more about estate planning from Haley A. Irwin, associate at McKercher LLP.

7 min. read

Challenging and Defending a Will that Disinherits a Child

Being cut out of a will is not, on its own, enough to successfully challenge a will. Learn what the law says about wills that disinherit children from associate lawyer Paige E. Van de Sype from McKercher LLP.

7 min. read

Dependant's Relief Legislation: What to do When Your Inheritance from a Deceased Parent or Spouse is Inadequate to Meet your Needs?

Following the death of a parent or spouse, it may come to light that the Will of the deceased did not adequately provide for a “dependant”. Read more to learn about The Dependants’ Relief Act and what to do if your inheritance is inadequate to meet your needs from associate lawyer Paige E. Van de Sype from McKercher LLP.

7 min. read

Estate Litigation: Family Property Rights for the Living Spouse

On the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse can exercise the same property rights as they would on the breakdown of a spousal relationship. Learn more about the estate law considerations for living spouses from associate lawyer Paige E. Van de Sype with McKercher LLP.

7 min. read

Estate Litigation: Who Can Contest A Will?

Often, an individual would seek to set aside a Will when they believe it is invalid by reason of improper execution, the testator did not have capacity, or the testator was unduly influenced. Discover who can contest a will from Paige E. Van de Sype, Associate with McKercher LLP.

8 min. read

Webinar: The 2021 Guide to Estate Planning & Litigation: Ensuring your loved ones are protected

In this webinar, McKercher LLP lawyers Haley Irwin and Paige Van de Sype explore tips and tricks to plan your estate and leave a legacy for the people and causes that you care about the most.

Estate Planning Health Care Directives

Different from a Power of Attorney, a Health Care Direction (HCD) grants someone the power to make healthcare decisions for you in situations you are not able to do so yourself. Discover what powers fall under an HDC, when they would come into effect and how to choose a proxy from lawyer Haley Irwin of McKercher LLP.

Wills: Distribution of Property to Beneficiaries

When you pass away, you will want to decide who receives your property and what exactly they will receive. Discover more information about how to distribute your property in your will from lawyer Haley Irwin of McKercher LLP.

Choosing an Executor for your Will

Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes and they can be a friend, family member or from a trust company. Although, each option comes with pros and cons that you may want to consider before making your decision.

Estate Planning: Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) comes into effect during a person's lifetime whereas a will comes into effect afterwards. Have your questions answered and learn about the many reasons you may want a POA, how to choose one and what amount of power you want to grant your POA.

Tips for Estate Planning from a Lawyer

Planning for your passing is something no one wants to think about, but estate planning is an important step in ensuring your loved ones are protected. Get a leg up on your estate planning with these top tips from lawyer Haley Irwin of McKercher LLP.

The Basics of Estate Planning

What will happen when you pass away? If you want to control what happens, you will need a will. Learn what exactly a will is, when does it come into effect and why it is important to have one from lawyer Haley Irwin of McKercher LLP.

Tips to Avoid a Family Estate Battle

To avoid a feud between your own kids after your passing, it’s not a bad idea to be proactive when it comes to your estate planning. Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your estate to help your family keep the peace.

7 min. read