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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The Executor’s Challenge

executor's challenge

Feature By Marg Bruineman
Canadian Lawyer Magazine


Disgruntled beneficiaries are increasingly prepared to challenge wills, leaving the executor’s challenge of struggling to carry out the deceased’s instructions.

Instructions from beyond the grave can be a difficult thing. As with most things, wills too have limitations.

But how far should he or she go in fulfilling the will?

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What Happens When An Estate Gets Reopened?

what happens when an estate gets reopened?

There is a misconception surrounding ‘closed’ estates and why an estate can never really be closed.

Being the executor of an estate can be a lengthy and tiresome job. Once an executor has paid all of the estate bills, distributed the assets to beneficiaries, and received a clearance letter from the CRA, you’d think your job would be finished.

That’s not always the case. 

So what happens when an estate gets reopened?

what happens when an estate gets reopened?
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The Cybersecurity Risk for Executors That No One Discusses

cybersecurity risk for executors in Canada

Most executors don’t think of themselves holding legal liability as a fiduciary, but there are risks that come along with the convenience of modern technology.

The cybersecurity risk for executors is very real and it presents a large source of potential problems that executors and advisors need to consider.

cybersecurity risk for executors in Canada
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Anthony Bourdain’s passing gives Canadians Insight Toward Rewards Points After Death

When preparing your estate plan or will, it’s important to include all of your possessions and finances – but what happens to your rewards points after death?

Some of the first assets that Canadians include in their estate plans and will include savings accounts, TFSA’s, credit cards, property, and debt, but many will overlook the value of accumulated rewards points and loyalty programs.

The recent passing of the globally-renowned celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has reminded Canadians to never overlook their assets or property.

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Michael Jackson’s $500 Million Estate Debt and How To Avoid the Mistakes That Created It.

It has been eight years since the death of ‘The King of Pop’, yet his estate is still in distress.  


Michael Jackson will forever be the ‘King of Pop’, however, his untimely death in 2009 revealed that he left behind a debt of $500 million for his estate.

Jackson had been known for his lavish taste in furniture, artwork, and ownership of musical rights. Ultimately, this left him with surmounting debt. Forensic accountant William R. Ackerman has spoken publicly about Jackson’s spending habits.

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Can a Relative’s Vendetta Cause Your Estate Financial Harm?

A relative’s grudge can cause serious financial harm to your estate. A recent case shows how much damage can happen.

We all have fights with our relatives. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner are perfect examples of family gatherings where relatives air their grievances, addressing family issues in front of everyone.

While nothing seems worse in the moment, family grievances and vendettas can affect much more than your holiday plans—your estate plan could be at risk as well.

Recently, a family member’s reprehensible behaviour caused extreme financial harm to an estate.

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