Estate Litigation Blog

Viewing Publications Categorized "Will & Estates"

You Don't Need a Will. They're Lying to You!! Scenario 1

In our anecdotal series, John, a prosperous accountant, dies unexpectedly without a Will. His family grapples with legal chaos and financial stress, underlining the critical need for estate planning.

What Is Undue Influence?

When a testator in drafting their will has been unduly influenced, then they have not divided their estate of their own free will. The influence imposed by some other person on the deceased is so great and overpowering that the document does not reflect the will of the deceased.

International Wills in Alberta

Many people immigrate to Alberta every year, and some of them have wills that were made outside of Canada, also known as international wills. Are those international wills recognized in Alberta? Yes, they are recognized, but only under certain conditions.

Can I Handwrite My Own Will?

When someone (a testator) writes their own will, this is called a holograph will. Alberta’s Wills and Succession Act states that holograph wills can be valid in Alberta as long as they comply with the Act.

What is Formal Proof of Will?

Formal proof of will is one way of proving the validity of a will. The process of formal proof of will may be used where the validity of a will is contentious.

What Does it Mean to Die Intestate?

To die intestate means a person dies without a will. A person may die intestate if they do not create a will, or if the will they created is invalid. Further, a person may die completely intestate or incompletely intestate.

A Gift in Life or in Death?

Beatrice Roberts was an independent woman who managed her own finances and did so carefully. When she died, she wanted to divide her estate equally between her four children and one grandchild. However, she also set up a tax-free savings account (TFSA) and designated just one of her children.