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When a Business Owner Dies: What Happens to the Company?
For many business owners, the company is their largest asset and the source of their family’s income. Yet it is often the asset least addressed in estate planning. When an owner of an incorporated business dies, the executor is suddenly responsible for something that has employees, customers, bills and tax obligations, and that can’t simply… Read more
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Understanding Bitcoin Wallets: A Simple Guide
Bitcoin can seem confusing at first, especially when you hear about wallets that “store” Bitcoin. Unlike a physical wallet holding cash, a Bitcoin wallet doesn’t actually hold the digital currency itself. Instead, it’s a tool that helps you access and manage your Bitcoin on the blockchain. Let’s clarify what a Bitcoin wallet is. We will… Read more
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Executor’s Compensation in Alberta: What You Need to Know
Executor compensation can be a complex topic, but it’s an important part of estate administration in Alberta. If you’ve been named an executor or are involved with a deceased person’s estate, understanding how compensation works can prevent disputes and help manage expectations. This article covers the basics of executor compensation in Alberta, the factors influencing… Read more
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Left Out of a Will in Alberta? Your Legal Rights and Options for Estate Disputes 2025
Discovering that you’ve been excluded from a loved one’s will can be emotionally devastating and financially worrying. Whether you’re a spouse, child, or other family member who expected to inherit, being left out raises immediate questions about your rights and options. In Alberta, the law provides several avenues for those who believe they’ve been unfairly… Read more
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Grant of Probate in Alberta? A Complete Timeline (October 2025 Update)
When a loved one passes away, dealing with their estate can be overwhelming. If you’ve been named as an executor in someone’s will in Alberta, one of your key responsibilities will be obtaining a grant of probate. This important legal document confirms your authority to administer the deceased’s estate. For help with obtaining a Grant… Read more
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CPP PAYMENT DATES 2024
The CPP payment dates for 2024 are: January 29, 2024 February 27, 2024 March 26, 2024 April 26, 2024 May 29, 2024 June 26, 2024 July 29, 2024 August 28, 2024 September 25, 2024 October 29, 2024 November 27, 2024 December 20, 2024 If you receive CPP Retirement Pension or CPP Disability, Children’s or Survivor… Read more
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Canada Disability Benefit
The Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit is a taxable monthly payment intended to replace the income of an individual who suffers from a severe disability. In order to qualify, you must: be under 65 years of age have made made enough contributions into the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) have a mental or physical disability that… Read more
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Can a power of attorney change a beneficiary on a life insurance policy or investment accounts?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document where an individual (the donor) appoints someone else (the attorney) to look after the donor’s financial affairs in the event the donor loses capacity to handle his or her own affairs. A Power of Attorney is a critical component of an individual’s estate plan and in many… Read more
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How Long Does Probate Take In Alberta?
EDIT: As of June 15, 2021, it is currently taking approximately 16 to 20 weeks for the Court to issue Grants of Probate in Judicial Centres of Edmonton and Calgary. The processing times may be somewhat faster in smaller Judicial Centres. Which Judicial Centre Do You Submit Your Grant of Probate Application To? Generally speaking,… Read more
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Why you need to talk to your wills and estates lawyer about your personal directive
A personal directive is a legal document that allows you to name someone to act as your agent to make personal decisions on your behalf in case you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself. The types of personal decisions that an agent may be required to make on a person’s behalf may include… Read more
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