By Howard Simmons The use of the computer and sites is rapidly changing. We need to be sure our families do not suffer after we are not here, says Howard Simmons while discussing the need to plan for digital assets David Reynolds is a proud grandfather and a keen photographer. He has [...]
By Howard Simmons Wills are a personal and private matter. The only ones who know what is in your will are you, your lawyer, and anyone you might tell. Otherwise, a will is a private matter. On your death, your will probably won’t remain a private matter. Most wills require your executor [...]
By Howard Simmons Prince died at age 58. He had a net worth when he died of $300 million (US). Estates of this magnitude usually have sophisticated tax, will, trust and other planning. Prince had none. He even died without a will. Prince had no wife, no children (yet known) and both his parents [...]
By Howard Simmons John Jones is 87-years-old, and was married to his wife for 62 years. She died a year ago. John was devastated at her loss. John’s two grown-up children would prefer if he moved to either of their homes, because of John’s failing health. However, John prefers to live alone at [...]
By Howard S. Simmons The Good, the Bad and the Ugly It is common and useful when doing a will to do a power of attorney for property. If you become mentally incapable because of age and illness, the one you trust can handle all your financial and business affairs. Unfortunately, not everything always ends [...]
Ontario Reports June 7th edition features the welcoming of Pathik Baxi into partnership and Evan Shapiro to the firm. Pathik Baxi is a Civil Litigation and Family Law Lawyer at Simmons da Silva + Sinton LLP. Evan Shapiro has joined the Business Law Group at Simmons da Silva + Sinton LLP. [...]
THINKING OF BUYING A HOUSE IN THE STATES? Or do you know someone who is? Canadians that spend extended periods of time in the United States – called “Snowbirds” because they fly south for the winter – are members of a growing demographic. Many of them buy property in Florida or Arizona, or anywhere [...]
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR WILL? “lf a man dies and leaves his estate in an uncertain condition, the lawyers become his heirs.” Edgar Watson Howe An astounding 50% of Canada’s adult population does not have a will. Those who do not have great wealth believe a will is not necessary. Others avoid the [...]
By Howard S. Simmons TEP Book review: Capacity and Undue Influence, by John ES Poyser (Toronto, Carswell, 2014), xxiv and 805 pp., $337 This review was originally published in Estates Trusts & Pensions Journal Volume 34 Number 3 May 2015 An older woman lives in Ottawa; her husband of 61 years died the [...]