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Welcome!

This blog offers general information on Ontario estate planning and administration law but is not legal advice. Do consult a lawyer for advice on specific legal matters.

I am a lawyer with over a decade of experience in the estate planning and administration industry. My legal practice centers on probate planning; drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney; and providing comprehensive probate and estate administration services. 

I was called to the Ontario Bar in 2010, and hold a law degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from McGill University. I have led estate planning workshops, spoken at non-profits, and taught the estate law bar exam preparation course. 

This blog is geared toward the layperson unfamiliar with estate law concepts. Wills and Estates 101. -Ish. I hope you find it informative and useful. 


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Can a minor child inherit?

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Separated Spouses and Inheritance Rights

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As of January 1, 2022, amendments to Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA) can disqualify separated spouses from inheriting from one another. These changes apply whether a person has a Will (testate) or dies without one (intestate). To inherit despite separation, a Will must explicitly state such an intention. These amendments ensure that separated spouses are treated similarly to divorced individuals regarding inheritance rights. Previously, only divorced spouses were barred from inheriting under an ex-spouse's Will or intestate estate. However, it’s crucial to note that there are specific timing criteria, and the new regulations do not apply to all separated spouses. The changes stem from Bill 245 – the Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021. Section 17 of the Succession Law Reform Act was revised to revoke gifts to a "separated spouse" in a Will, mirroring the rules for divorced individuals. Additionally, Section 43.1 was introduced, stipulating that intesta...
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What is probate?

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