Maintenance Advice for Your New Home
After taking possession of a new home, there are some maintenance and safety issues that should be addressed immediately. The following checklist should help you undertake these improvements: -Change the locks on all exterior entrances, for improved security. -Check that all windows and doors are secure. Improve window hardware as necessary. Security rods can be added to sliding windows and doors. Consideration could also be given to a security system. -Install smoke detectors on each level of the home. Ensure that there is a smoke detector outside all sleeping areas. Replace batteries on any...
Read MoreIt Pays to Keep Your Will Updated
Karen Christiansen (“Karen”) found out the hard way why it’s important to keep one’s will updated, especially when important life events occur. In MacLean Estate, 2009 BCSC 1159 (CanLII), the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled that a will executed by Gordon McLean (“Gordon”) at the time he was cohabiting with and engaged to Karen was revoked by his actual marriage to Karen at a later date. The revocation prevented her from receiving the one-half of his estate left to her in a spousal trust under his will. The Court observed that relevant legislation...
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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.