James Steele presents to STEP Canada

James Steele presented on February 23, 2022, to STEP Canada, an internationally recognized body of trust and estate practitioners.

James presented on the topic of contested estates, and how to navigate such disputes.

Learn more about James

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Fraser v Mountstephen, 2021 SKQB 192

The recent case of Fraser v Mountstephen offers reminder that not every irregularity with a Will can justify subjecting that Will to litigation. Background Blair Fraser died without children. He named a friend, Lori Ann Mountstephen, as Executrix. He left his entire...

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Choquette v Viczko, 2021 SKQB 167

The recent case of Choquette v Viczko offers guidance on when an executor is required to seek a beneficiary’s consent to sell land. It also explains when no such consent is needed.

Rebutting the Presumption of Resulting Trust – A Refresher

Today’s post comes from Wagner Sidlofsky LLP, a well-known estate law blog. The article talks about the importance of creating a contemporaneous evidentiary record of a parent’s intention when gifting property to their adult children.

James Steele Published in CBA Bar Notes – Summer 2021 Edition

James Steele was published recently in the Summer 2021 Edition of CBA Bar Notes.

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Bryant Estate v Stuart, 2021 SKCA 54

A recent case from the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal clarifies that a beneficiary who seeks an estate accounting is not required to show possible wrongdoing by the trustee before an accounting can be ordered. Background: The late Franklin Bryant was a beneficiary under...

Estate Litigation Update: Munro v James, 2020 BCSC 1348

A 2020 decision from the British Columbia Supreme Court makes clear that an agreement to leave a gift in one’s will, is a binding agreement. As such, if one breaches that agreement, the person can be held liable even during their life.

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Nelson v Wagner, 2021 SKQB

A very useful lesson comes in the recent Saskatchewan decision in Nelson v Wagner. The decision offers guidance on when a court will override claims of solicitor-client privilege, and disclose the file of the solicitor who dealt with a testator. In Nelson, the...

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: McStay v Berta Estate, 2021 SKCA 51

A recent case from the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, reminds us that a Chambers judge cannot decide conflicting evidence on the basis of affidavits. Rather, any weighing of credibility must wait for the later trial. The case in McStay arose out of a will...

The potential dangers of adding children as joint tenants

Many people like to add the name of a child, or children, to their home. The hope is to avoid probate fees on the death of the parent, and have the asset go directly to the children. However, before you make this decision, be aware of the following potential danger:...

Next Entries »

James Steele presents to STEP Canada

Related News and Articles

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Fraser v Mountstephen, 2021 SKQB 192

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Choquette v Viczko, 2021 SKQB 167

Rebutting the Presumption of Resulting Trust – A Refresher

James Steele Published in CBA Bar Notes – Summer 2021 Edition

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Bryant Estate v Stuart, 2021 SKCA 54

Estate Litigation Update: Munro v James, 2020 BCSC 1348

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Nelson v Wagner, 2021 SKQB

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: McStay v Berta Estate, 2021 SKCA 51

The potential dangers of adding children as joint tenants

The “wills exception” to solicitor-client privilege

Who Approves Compensation for the Executors?

Will and Estate Planning – Live Webinar

Services

Industries

Services

Services

Industries

Industries