James Steele presents to STEP Canada

Estate Litigation Update: Munro v James, 2020 BCSC 1348

A 2020 decision from the British Columbia Supreme Court makes clear that an agreement to leave a gift in one’s will, is a binding agreement. As such, if one breaches that agreement, the person can be held liable even during their life.

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Nelson v Wagner, 2021 SKQB

A very useful lesson comes in the recent Saskatchewan decision in Nelson v Wagner. The decision offers guidance on when a court will override claims of solicitor-client privilege, and disclose the file of the solicitor who dealt with a testator. In Nelson, the...

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: McStay v Berta Estate, 2021 SKCA 51

A recent case from the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, reminds us that a Chambers judge cannot decide conflicting evidence on the basis of affidavits. Rather, any weighing of credibility must wait for the later trial. The case in McStay arose out of a will...

The potential dangers of adding children as joint tenants

Many people like to add the name of a child, or children, to their home. The hope is to avoid probate fees on the death of the parent, and have the asset go directly to the children. However, before you make this decision, be aware of the following potential danger:...

The “wills exception” to solicitor-client privilege

Solicitor-client privilege means communications between a lawyer and a client, are confidential. Thus, if a third party wants to see what a client told their lawyer when seeking advice, the court will not allow this.

Who Approves Compensation for the Executors?

The vast majority of estates see beneficiaries consent to the compensation amount requested by the executor. However, sometimes the beneficiaries feel that the compensation is too high for the work actually done.

Will and Estate Planning – Live Webinar

Live Webinar! Tuesday, March 23 7:00 - 8:30 pmJoin James Steele and Ben Parsonson on March 23 for an insightful discussion on the essential components of estate planning, including wills, naming of executors, powers of attorney and tax implications.

Robertson Stromberg announces the launch of the SK Estate Law blog

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Estate Law blog. The Saskatchewan Estate Law blog is dedicated to providing practical, real-world information on Estate Law issues that affect Saskatchewan residents.

Estate Litigation Update – Thorne v Thorne

A recent case of the Saskatchewan Court of Queen Bench offers the following lesson: the Court’s power to “fix” clerical mistakes in Wills, may not necessarily be ordered if there are deeper concerns about the testator’s actual testamentary intentions. Section 37 of...

James Steele featured in Regina Leader-Post Article

James Steele recently contributed to an article that was featured in the Regina Leader-Post. The article highlights the importance of discussing wills and final wishes with family before you pass. Read the full article here.

Adams Estate v Wilson: Who has standing to challenge a Will?

A recent case from the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal reminds us of the importance of first confirming you have standing to challenge a will. “Standing” refers to the question of whether a person has a sufficient legal interest in a given dispute. In other words, will...

Steele Published in CBA Bar Notes

James Steele recently published a book review of former Chief Justice McLachlin’s memoir, which recounts her role as the first woman Chief Justice, and her time as the longest-serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

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James Steele presents to STEP Canada

Related News and Articles

Estate Litigation Update: Munro v James, 2020 BCSC 1348

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: Nelson v Wagner, 2021 SKQB

Saskatchewan Estate Litigation Update: McStay v Berta Estate, 2021 SKCA 51

The potential dangers of adding children as joint tenants

The “wills exception” to solicitor-client privilege

Who Approves Compensation for the Executors?

Will and Estate Planning – Live Webinar

Robertson Stromberg announces the launch of the SK Estate Law blog

Estate Litigation Update – Thorne v Thorne

James Steele featured in Regina Leader-Post Article

Adams Estate v Wilson: Who has standing to challenge a Will?

Steele Published in CBA Bar Notes