by Monica Beffa

DO I NEED A LAWYER TO DRAFT MY WILL?

Planning for your end of life is not something comfortable to do, and that’s why many people don’t get around to drafting their Will. Almost half of all Canadians don’t have a Will in place, which is a surprising statistic given the importance of having a will. So why is important to have a Will? And if it’s that critical, do you really need a lawyer to...

by Monica Beffa

7 CELEBRITIES WHO DIDN’T LEAVE A WILL

(Intestate = without a will) 1. Abraham Lincoln- Lawyer, President of the United States Age at the time of death: 56 As the 16th president of the United States and a lawyer, some would be shocked to find out that Abraham Lincoln has not drawn a Will before he died. After his assassination in 1865, President Lincoln’s intestate estate was valued at $110,300 and was divided among his wife...

by Monica Beffa

Three Things You Need to Know About Taxes At Death

1. There is no inheritance or death tax in Canada In Canada, there is no inheritance or death tax levied on the beneficiaries; the estate pays any tax that is owed to the government. If you are the beneficiary of money or assets through an estate, you inherit the money tax-free, i.e. the tax has already been paid by the estate. You do not have to add inheritance to your income tax return. 2....

by Monica Beffa

The Curious Case of Jeffrey Epstein’s Wealth, Death, and Estate

It’s not clear whether Epstein had a Will, and even if he had one, it probably wouldn’t have made the case any easier. But, for the rest of us, ordinary people, having a Will is always a good idea.

by Monica Beffa

ESTATE PLANNING

Majority Canadians do not have a will – the most basic estate planning step. They should.

by beffalaw_a0hv81

WHY DO I NEED A WILL?

If making a will has been always on your to-do list, but you keep postpone it because it is unpleasant, you’re not alone. Studies show that 74% of Canadians don’t have an up-to-date Will, and about 50% of Canadians don’t have a Will at all. I understand that. Making a will require you to imagine your death which it’s a taboo subject that most people try to avoid. Dying without a will...