When a person dies without a will, there are laws that determine what happens to their property and what the process is before their estate can be dealt with.
Wills and Estates – Death and inheritances
An article in the Toronto Star's Moneyville discusses the difference between joint tenancy and tenancy in common when two people share ownership of a house, and explains the consequences for each.
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EnglishThe Office of the Children's Lawyer (OCL) and Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY) both represent children and youth on legal issues, but they are different organizations doing different things. This JFCY blogpost sorts out the differences.
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EnglishThis resource looks at what happens if you die without a will: You give up the right to choose who inherits your property, how much each person gets, and when they will get it. The article concludes with links to more information.
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EnglishThis section of the Ministry of the Attorney General web site has information about wills, estates, and trusts; the power of attorney; and help for incapable family members.
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English, French (français)This resource has answers to questions such as "How can I find a copy of a deceased person's will?" and "How do I apply for death benefits?" It includes definitions of commonly used terms and a separate section on the Certificate of Appointment of...
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English, French (français)This resource has information about what a person can do if they do not wish to act as the executor of a will. It includes a list of duties an executor might be expected to carry out and discusses who can act in place of an executor.
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English, French (français)In this video, two Ontario lawyers discuss the importance of having a properly drafted will and power of attorney.
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EnglishThis booklet deals with inheriting money or other property and how it can affect a person's right to benefits from the Ontario Disability Support Program. It explains the rules about assets, income, and payments for disability-related items and...
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English, French (français)
Produced In:
2009
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Booklet/PDFThis guide explains how someone can make a claim as an heir when a person dies without a will and the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee is estate trustee. There is information about how an estate is distributed, how to prove you are an heir,...
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English, French (français)This article describes some of the problems that can arise when a person dies without a will.
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EnglishThis booklet is for families who want to help support a relative who receives Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits. It explains how to help a family member without affecting their ODSP benefits. Chapters include: How Henson Trusts can...
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EnglishThis article explains that the Indian Act and Indian Estates Regulations normally govern the estate of a reserve resident who has died. Sometimes, however, the estate may come under the jurisdiction of the courts.
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EnglishThis brochure explains in what circumstances the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) administers an estate, how estates are referred to the OPGT, how the OPGT administers an estate, who is entitled to the money, and how to get further...
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English, French (français)
