Choosing One of Your Adult Children as Your RRSP/RRIF/TFSA Beneficiary? Think -and Act- Carefully
Planning Matters
Stephen Hsia authors an article outlining a few issues to consider when naming one of your adult children as the beneficiary on a registered plan: It’s an increasingly common story. A widow has several children, all of them adults. She […]
The new qualifying disbursements rules: An improvement?
The proposed qualifying disbursements rules have since changed since the publication of this article. Please refer to Miller Thomson LLP’s article, ‘Funding non-qualified donees just got one step easier for Canadian charities’ dated June 6, 2022, which summarizes the latest […]
British Columbia allows electronic wills – A glimpse into Ontario’s future?
Ontario Bar Association Estates and Trusts Law Newsletter
Stephen Hsia writes an article on the promise and potential pitfalls of electronic wills: On December 1, 2021, British Columbia became the first province to allow electronic wills – fully digital wills. This development is welcome news for many Ontarians […]
Stephen Hsia featured in The Globe and Mail article on selecting an executor for a will
The Globe and Mail, "Why you might need to update the executor in your will as you get older"
The article outlines the importance of choosing an executor and some of the factors to consider when making that decision: Stephen Hsia, a Vancouver lawyer specializing in estate planning with Miller Thomson LLP, has a « three T » rule for executor […]
Charitable donations to Ukraine: Four problematic assumptions
The Lawyer's Daily
Stephen Hsia authors an article for The Lawyer’s Daily outlining some problematic assumptions to be aware of when making charitable donations: Canadians are concerned about the armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Donors and charities want to help — […]
Don’t presume your kid will get it: Simard Estate and beneficiary designations
This past February, millions of Canadians contributed to their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (« RRSPs »). However, few may realize that those hard-earned savings might not go to their chosen beneficiary. The British Columbia Supreme Court decision of Simard v. Simard Estate, […]
The Societies Amendment Act, 2021: Time to update your operating system
Every once in a while, my phone reminds me that it’s time to update its operating system. As I have learned the hard way, ignoring those updates can only cause headaches later. Phones on older operating systems not only miss […]
Helping the crisis in Ukraine: Be careful making these 4 assumptions
Canadians are concerned about the ongoing military conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Donors and charities are looking for ways to help – fast. Despite the urge to help quickly, Canadian donors should refresh themselves on the rules of giving […]
Electronic wills are here in BC – but should you make one?
On December 1, 2021, British Columbia became the first province to allow electronic wills – fully digital wills. Previously, a will-maker could only make a valid will under BC law by signing a physical will with wet ink in the […]
When old bylaws stop you from using BC’s new virtual meeting option: The Farrish 2021 case
As 2021 comes to a close, BC societies should be aware of recent changes in the law that will affect their bylaws and processes. Farrish v. Delta Hospice Society and virtual meetings In May 2021, the BC Government amended the […]
