Spousal Elections

Am I a Spouse? The Mystery of Spousal Benefits

Under the laws of Ontario, certain rights and benefits are conveyed to a “spouse.” However, there is not a universal definition of “spouse”: whether you qualify for spousal benefits depends on the governing statute. Below is a summary of some of the most common rights and benefits sought by a “spouse” on the death of […]

Dependant’s Relief Claims, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Guardianship Applications, Legal Resources, Power of Attorney, Spousal Elections

What is a “Common Law Spouse”?

In Canada, every person is afforded certain protections in the event they get divorced. For example, there are statutes in place to help determine how the couple will divide their property and whether one of them is entitled to child support or spousal support (and what amount). However, not every couple in a committed, long-term

Dependant’s Relief Claims, Estate Litigation, Legal Resources, Other Claims & Remedies Against Estates, Spousal Elections

The Rights of a Surviving Spouse – Spousal Election

I just finished watching Mrs. America, the recent TV series that chronicles the fight by women in the 1970s to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the US Constitution. First proposed in 1921, the ERA sought to mandate equality between men and woman. In 1972, Congress passed the ERA, but they could not obtain

Dependant’s Relief Claims, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Forms of Relief, In The News, Limitation Period, Other Claims & Remedies Against Estates, Spousal Elections, Valuation of Estate Assets
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