Understanding what a client wants to do, along with all the implications of doing so, is critical in an estate planning practice. Explore key considerations, potential tax issues, common pitfalls, and drafting techniques to benefit your practice. This on-demand program is best suited for lawyers in their first years of practice or for those looking to revisit the basics. This on-demand program was originally broadcasted as a webinar on December 4, 2020. Total running time is 3 hours, 27 minutes.  

This presentation considers some of the issues that arise in the context of drafting wills. While not exhaustive, it is intended to provide a starting point for lawyers who may be new to estate planning or who do not regularly practice in this area. This on-demand program was originally broadcasted as a webinar in December 2020.

In this presentation, Jason Sweeney discusses the personal representative's duty to account, forms of accounts, types of accounting, and what must be proven. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program in November 2016.

Review key aspects of estate administration, from documents and timelines, to some of the common issues lawyers face in a typical (non-contested) estate. Learn strategies for informal administration of estates, develop an awareness of basic tax matters that affect estates, and more. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program in November 2016.

The Alberta Wills and Estates Practice Manual is a comprehensive resource for any wills and estates practitioner. This two-part manual contains essential information and practical tips on estate planning and administration, including surrogate forms and procedures. Whether you are drafting a will or probating one, this manual is a go-to resource.

The Alberta Wills and Estates Practice Manual is a comprehensive resource for any wills and estates practitioner. Chock-full of essential information and helpful tips, this two-part manual contains information on estate planning and administration. Whether you are drafting a will or probating one, this manual is a go-to resource.

Familiarity with the language typically used in wills can lead to complacency and a lack of consideration of circumstances where changes to the usual forms might be warranted. This paper considers some of the issues that arise in the context of drafting wills. While not exhaustive, it is intended to provide a starting point for lawyers who may be new to estate planning or who do not regularly practice in this area. This paper was presented at LESA’s Estate Planning Fundamentals webinar on December 4, 2020.

The personal representative’s duty to account to those interested in an estate is central to that role, yet it is often poorly understood. This paper examines that duty to account so that lawyers can better prepare personal representatives for their role. It discusses forms of accounts, and provides examples of disbursements and receipts of capital and income. It also reviews types of accounting, including informal accounting, formal accounting, and applications to dispense with formal accounting. Additional accounting considerations for personal representatives are also discussed. The paper includes, as appendices, a sample clause for a retainer letter, a sample inventory of property and debts (Schedule 5), and a sample estate accounting financial statement. This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Estate Administration Fundamentals program held in Edmonton on November 30, 2016 and in Calgary on December 7, 2016.