E is for Estates

06/04/2026

Many parents and grandparents worry about what will happen when a beneficiary receives a large inheritance too early or all at once.

In some situations, it may make more sense for assets to be managed over time instead. A discretionary trust is one way Ontario estate plans can be structured to provide that flexibility.

Rather than requiring assets to be distributed immediately, the trustee can make decisions about when and how support is provided based on the beneficiary’s circumstances at the time.

This type of planning is commonly considered for young beneficiaries, long term support planning, blended families, and situations involving financial vulnerability or creditor concerns.

Every family situation is different, which is why estate planning is rarely one size fits all.

05/22/2026

Estate planning is one of those things that’s easy to push down the list.

I recently sat down with Mark Bull from Bull Financial to talk about how estate planning fits into the bigger financial picture, and one thing came up again and again: most people wait longer than they should to get started.

It’s often seen as something for later, tied to age or major milestones. But in reality, it usually makes sense to start much earlier, once there is something or someone you want to protect.

Having a plan in place creates clarity and makes things easier for the people who would have to step in and handle everything.

If it’s been on your list for a while, this is a good reminder to revisit it.

You can watch the full conversation here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=vuUVt3IzmKs

Bull Financial - Be Strong at Every Stage™Visit Erin's website for all things Estate Planning:https://www.eisforestates.com/At Bull Financial, we surprise an...

05/16/2026

PROCEED WITH CAUTION ⚠️

You could be making an expensive mistake.

That online Will template?

It might be costing your family far more than you saved.

Here's what most people don't realize:

a Will that looks complete can still be legally invalid — because of one missed signature, one vague sentence, one question nobody thought to ask.

And when that happens, it's not a legal problem your family deals with. It's a human one.

Your estate plan should be intentional, specific, and based on the legacy you want to leave your family — not on a generic checklist.

We're here when you're ready to do this right. 🤍👇

Skip the online Will template and let’s get you booked for a consultation today —

Click the link in our bio to get set up.

05/06/2026

Proud to support Oshawa Senior Community Centres and its mission to provide meaningful programs in our community!

05/06/2026

AI (Artificial Intelligence) can do a lot. Tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot can write emails, plan trips, and even create images.

But when it comes to estate planning, relying on AI to create your Will or estate plan can come with real risks.

A Will is not just a document. It needs to meet legal requirements and reflect your specific family and financial situation. Small mistakes can lead to delays, disputes, or added costs for your loved ones.

AI tools can be helpful for learning and getting organized, but they are not a substitute for legal advice.

If you are relying on AI alone for your estate plan, important legal and practical considerations may be missed.

We break down the risks of using AI for estate planning and what to consider: https://www.eisforestates.com/post/ai-will

04/21/2026

For many business owners, their company will eventually need to be passed on after they die.

When that happens, planning may involve more than deciding who will inherit the business. Tax issues, succession planning, and having enough cash available to pay taxes can all come into play.

In our latest blog we outline several planning approaches sometimes used by business owners, including estate freezes, family trusts, multiple Wills and life insurance strategies.

These tools can help address tax consequences and support the long-term continuity of the business.

You can read more about these estate planning considerations here: https://www.eisforestates.com/post/estate-planning-private-corporations

04/06/2026

What happens to a business when the owner dies?

Many business owners are surprised to learn that tax can still apply even if the business is never sold.

Under Canadian tax rules, the shares of a private corporation may be treated as if they were sold when a shareholder dies. If the company has increased in value over time, that can create a significant tax bill for the estate.

In some cases, additional tax may apply later when money is paid out of the corporation to beneficiaries.

Without planning, these rules can place pressure on both the estate and the business itself.

In our latest blog, we explain several estate planning considerations for privately held corporations in Ontario.

You can read the full article here: https://www.eisforestates.com/post/estate-planning-private-corporations

03/15/2026

Did you know that stepchildren do not automatically inherit in Ontario?

Even after remarriage.

Under Ontario succession law, stepchildren are not entitled to inherit unless they are specifically included in your Will. The law does not assume your intentions based on your relationship.

For some families, that is exactly the plan. For others, it can create an unintended gap.

If you want to provide for a stepchild, your estate plan needs to clearly reflect that decision.

Remarriage is an important life change. It is also a good time to review your Will and confirm it reflects your wishes.

We’ve outlined what to consider in our latest blog on estate planning after remarriage in Ontario: https://www.eisforestates.com/post/estate-planning-after-remarriage-in-ontario-protecting-children-and-spouses

03/03/2026

Remarried and have children from a previous relationship?

It may be time to take another look at your Will.

When you remarry, the law gives certain rights to your new spouse. At the same time, many people still want to make sure their children are protected.

If your Will leaves everything directly to your spouse, those assets become your spouse’s property to manage and distribute in the future. That may be exactly what you want. But in blended families, it can sometimes lead to unintended outcomes.

The good news is that there are ways to support your new spouse while still protecting your children’s inheritance.

Remarriage is a major life change. Your estate plan should reflect it.

If you’ve remarried and are unsure whether your current Will still works for your family, my latest blog explains what to consider.

https://www.eisforestates.com/post/estate-planning-after-remarriage-in-ontario-protecting-children-and-spouses

02/26/2026

Estate planning is not only about what happens after death.

In Ontario, marital status can affect who is allowed to make decisions if someone becomes ill or is no longer able to act for themselves. If the right documents are not in place, the law decides who steps in instead.

This is an important part of how estate planning works, especially when relationships or family situations are complicated.

Read more in our latest blog: https://www.eisforestates.com/post/how-marital-status-affects-estate-planning-in-ontario