Preparing for Joint Home Ownership
An increasing number of people are entering the housing market by buying jointly with a friend or relative. Families are also buying cottages or rental properties together. For many, it enables them to enter the market while prices are high and decreases the individual risk and day-to-day responsibility of such an investment. However, as has been often said, it’s dangerous to mix business with pleasure. Many co-owners don’t consider and plan for the possible curves that life can throw, such as a co-owner: dying; getting married; transferring out-of-province; losing their job such...
Read MoreConflict Over Laying a Loved One to Rest
From time to time, family relationships are strained, if not destroyed, over how a deceased loved one is to be laid to rest. Where family members cannot come to agreement, the law indicates how this emotionally charged question will be resolved. In Canada, the Estate Trustee (Executor) has the right to possess and dispose of a deceased’s remains, including the place and manner of disposal. The Estate Trustee is not obligated to follow the wishes expressed by the deceased while alive or in their will or memorandum. They also have a duty to: ensure that the deceased’s burial...
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Andrea P. Kelly is a legal practitioner and notary public, called to the Ontario Bar in 2001, with practice focus in Estate Planning and Administration, including wills, estates, trusts and powers of attorney. She also practices Real Estate.
Prior to opening her law firm, she worked in various capacities including litigation support lawyer for the Ministry of Attorney General regarding complex commercial litigation, private practice in corporate/commercial law and numerous legal research and writing positions.