Artificial Intelligence has stolen the spotlight of 2023. In particular, ChatGPT has become the fastest-growing application in history, reaching the milestone of 100 million users in its first few months of public availability. While numbers are not proof of anything, they do reinforce what many have been saying since ChatGPT’s release: we may have reached […]
Business owners or the spouse of a business owner encounter unique considerations when facing a divorce. The Marital Property Act’s Treatment of Business Assets The New Brunswick Marital Property Act, RSNB 2012, c 107 [hereinafter the “Marital Property Act”] exempts business assets from division with a spouse upon the breakdown of a marriage. Business assets […]
Introduction Until recently, New Brunswick law required that individuals meet in the physical presence of witnesses – and in certain cases, lawyers – to execute a valid Will or Enduring Power of Attorney. On December 18, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made in-person meetings more difficult and less safe, the New Brunswick […]
In the spirit of the season, it seems timely to review the recent Ontario case of Thompson v Elliott Estate, which considered the validity of “zombie” deeds. As the judge in that case describes them, a zombie deed is “a transfer of an interest in land registered after the death of the grantor as if […]
The Estates & Trusts team at Cox & Palmer is here to help you prepare your will. These are important steps to take now for peace of mind later.
Section 2 of the Wills Act (Newfoundland and Labrador, the “Wills Act”) sets out the legal requirements for the making of a valid will. To be valid, a will must first of all be in writing. Formal Execution and Witnessing Requirements A will that is entirely in the handwriting of the testator and signed by […]
Introduction Powers of attorney are documents in which an individual (called a “grantor”) can appoint another individual or individuals (called an “attorney”) to make decisions on their behalf during their lifetime. Powers of attorney can be drafted to deal with decisions with respect to property matters and/or decisions with respect to personal care (i.e. health […]
Security for costs is a remedy available to parties defending a claim where, if they were successful in defending the claim, they would fact undue difficulty in collecting a costs award made against the unsuccessful claimant.
Using a trust to provide for a special needs family member provides a way of maintaining control of assets in the hands of responsible persons, for the benefit of a family member who is living with a disability.
The lawyers and staff at Cox & Palmer in Halifax are ready to help you complete your wills and estate planning documents. If you need a Will, Power of Attorney or Personal Directive for medical care, our lawyers have several options to assist you in preparing and signing documents quickly and safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.