Tonelli Estate Law

08/06/2026

Would your children actually want to inherit the family cottage?

Many parents assume the answer is "yes."

But after they're gone, the reality can be much more complicated. Different financial circumstances, competing priorities, and disagreements over maintenance or ownership can quickly create conflict between siblings. Careful estate planning can help families avoid these difficult situations.

Our newest article explains:
✔️ why family cottages often lead to estate disputes;
✔️ why open conversations with your family matter;
✔️ the risks of making assumptions about your children's wishes; and
✔️ how proper planning can help protect both your cottage and your family relationships.

Read the full article here:
https://tonellilaw.ca/blog/the-family-cottage-nobody-wanted-to-sell

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Wills • Estates • Probate • Powers of Attorney
📞 Free consultations available

Lessons From Practice The facts of this story have been altered to protect client confidentiality. One of the most emotionally difficult estate matters I have encountered involved a family cottage. The parents had owned the property for decades. Their children had grown up swimming in th

08/05/2026

Is your estate plan designed for a blended family?

Blended families often have unique estate planning needs.
If you have remarried, have children from a previous relationship, or want to provide for both your spouse and your children, a carefully prepared estate plan can help avoid unintended consequences and reduce the risk of future disputes.

Our newest article explains:
✔️ why blended families require special planning;
✔️ how trusts can help protect both spouses and children;
✔️ common estate planning pitfalls to avoid; and
✔️ why every family deserves a plan tailored to their circumstances.

Read the full article here:
https://tonellilaw.ca/blog/estate-planning-for-blended-families

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Wills • Estates • Probate • Powers of Attorney
📞 Free consultations available

Balancing Competing Interests While Protecting Loved Ones Estate planning can be challenging for any family. However, where spouses have children from previous relationships, second marriages, or other blended family arrangements, careful planning becomes especially important. Many people wis

08/04/2026

Did you know that some Ontarians have two Wills instead of one?

It may sound unusual, but for certain individuals - particularly business owners - a multiple Will strategy can be an effective estate planning tool.

By using a Primary Will and a Secondary Will, it may be possible to reduce Estate Administration Tax on qualifying assets and make the administration of an estate more efficient.

Of course, this strategy is not appropriate for everyone and should only be implemented after obtaining proper legal advice.

Our newest article explains:

✔️ what a multiple Will strategy is;
✔️ how it works;
✔️ who may benefit from it; and
✔️ why proper drafting is so important.

Read the full article here:

https://tonellilaw.ca/blog/what-is-a-multiple-will-strategy

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Wills • Estates • Probate • Powers of Attorney
📞 Free consultations available

Reducing Estate Administration Tax in Ontario Many Ontario business owners are surprised to learn that it may be possible to reduce Estate Administration Tax (commonly referred to as "probate fees") through the use of a multiple Will strategy. A multiple Will strategy involves prepa

07/31/2026

🏡 Thinking about putting someone else’s name on your home or bank account?

Joint ownership can be a useful estate planning tool…

…but it’s not always the best choice.

Before adding another person to title, consider:

✔️ How will the asset pass when you die?
✔️ Will it avoid probate?
✔️ Could it create family disputes?
✔️ Does it fit with your overall estate plan?

The right strategy depends on your unique circumstances.

Our newest article explains the benefits and risks of joint ownership in Ontario estate planning.

Read more:

tonellilaw.ca/blog/joint-ownership-and-estate-planning

⚖️ Wills • Estates • Probate
📍 Toronto & Etobicoke

07/31/2026

Should you add your child to your bank account or your home's title?

Many people believe this is an easy way to avoid probate.

Sometimes it can be.

But joint ownership is not always the right solution.

Before making that decision, it's important to understand how joint ownership works and the legal consequences it can have for your estate plan.

Our newest article explains:

✔️ the difference between joint tenancy and tenants in common;
✔️ what happens when one joint owner dies;
✔️ potential benefits of joint ownership; and
✔️ some of the risks that people often overlook.

Every family is different, and what works well for one estate plan may not work well for another.

Read the full article:

https://tonellilaw.ca/blog/joint-ownership-and-estate-planning

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Wills • Estates • Probate • Powers of Attorney
📞 Free consultations available

Benefits and Risks Joint ownership is one of the most commonly discussed estate planning strategies in Ontario. Many individuals choose to add a spouse or adult child to title of a home, bank account, or investment account in the belief that doing so will simplify the administration of their est

07/28/2026

No Powers of Attorney—who makes your decisions?

Many people assume a spouse or adult child can automatically step in if they become incapable.

In Ontario, that is not always true.

Without Powers of Attorney, your family could face:

⚖️ a Court guardianship application
💰 additional legal expenses
⏳ delays in managing your affairs
👨‍👩‍👧 family disagreements
🏥 uncertainty over important decisions

You may also lose the ability to choose who will act for you.

Powers of Attorney let you appoint trusted people to manage your property and make personal or healthcare decisions if you become incapable.

They are not just for seniors. Incapacity can arise unexpectedly through illness, injury, or accident.

Read our newest article:

tonellilaw.ca/blog/what-happens-if-you-do-not-have-powers-of-attorney

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Toronto & Etobicoke

07/28/2026

What happens if you become incapable without Powers of Attorney?

Many people assume that their spouse or adult children will automatically be able to manage their finances and make healthcare decisions for them.

In Ontario, that is not always the case.

Without a valid Power of Attorney, your family may face:

✔️ uncertainty over who has authority to act;
✔️ disagreements about financial or healthcare decisions;
✔️ the expense and delay of a guardianship application; and
✔️ Court involvement during an already stressful time.

You may also lose the opportunity to decide for yourself who should manage your affairs.

Powers of Attorney allow you to choose trusted individuals in advance to make financial, personal, and healthcare decisions if you become incapable.

Our newest article explains what can happen without these documents and why every adult should consider including them in a complete estate plan.

Read the full article:

https://tonellilaw.ca/blog/what-happens-if-you-do-not-have-powers-of-attorney

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Wills • Estates • Probate • Powers of Attorney
📞 Free consultations available

Understanding Guardianship and Incapacity in Ontario Many people understand the importance of having a Will, yet far fewer appreciate the importance of Powers of Attorney. A Will only takes effect after death. Powers of Attorney, by contrast, are intended to operate during your lifetime if yo

07/23/2026

Who should you choose as your POA?

Choose someone you trust completely—but also consider whether they are suited to the particular role.

Your attorney for Property may need to manage:

💳 bills and expenses
🏦 bank accounts and investments
🏠 property and financial affairs

Your attorney for Personal Care may need to make decisions about:

🏥 medical treatment
🏡 housing and support
❤️ healthcare and end-of-life wishes

The same person can fill both roles, but they do not have to.

Look for someone who is:

✔️ trustworthy
✔️ responsible
✔️ available
✔️ capable of difficult decisions
✔️ willing to act

Read our newest article:

tonellilaw.ca/blog/who-should-you-choose-as-your-poa

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Toronto & Etobicoke

WillsAndEstates TorontoLawyer EtobicokeLawyer

07/23/2026

Who should you choose as your Power of Attorney?

Many people automatically appoint a spouse or adult child without considering whether that person is truly suited to the role.

The person you appoint may one day be responsible for making important decisions about your:

✔️ finances and property;
✔️ bills and investments;
✔️ medical treatment;
✔️ housing and personal care; and
✔️ overall wellbeing.

The best choice for financial matters may not always be the best choice for healthcare and personal decisions. Ontario law allows you to appoint different people as your attorney for Property and your attorney for Personal Care.

Before making your decision, consider whether the person is trustworthy, responsible, available, capable of making difficult decisions, and willing to act.

Our newest article explains the practical factors to consider when choosing your Powers of Attorney.

Read the full article:

https://tonellilaw.ca/blog/who-should-you-choose-as-your-poa

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Wills • Estates • Probate • Powers of Attorney
📞 Free consultations available

Choosing Attorneys for Property and Personal Care Choosing an attorney under a Power of Attorney is one of the most important decisions involved in estate planning. An attorney may be called upon to make significant financial, legal, healthcare, and personal decisions on your behalf if you becom

07/21/2026

Who should you choose as your executor?

Many people simply choose their spouse or eldest child without giving the decision much thought.

However, acting as an executor is a significant responsibility. The person you appoint may be required to:

✔️ manage your estate;
✔️ deal with banks and financial institutions;
✔️ pay debts and taxes;
✔️ keep detailed records; and
✔️ distribute your estate according to your Will.

Choosing the right executor can help ensure that your wishes are carried out smoothly while reducing the risk of unnecessary delay or family conflict.

Our newest article discusses the practical factors you should consider before making this important appointment.

Read the full article here:

https://tonellilaw.ca/blog/who-should-you-choose-as-your-executor

⚖️ Tonelli Estate Law
📍 Wills • Estates • Probate • Powers of Attorney
📞 Free Consultations Available

Practical Considerations When Making Your Will Choosing an executor is one of the most important decisions involved in preparing a Will. Your executor (known in Ontario as an "estate trustee") will be responsible for administering your estate, carrying out the terms of your Will, and e