Newsfeed

Now that spring has finally sprung, the travel bug may be getting itchy! If you have a minor child travelling, you may need a travel consent letter.

When a loved one passes away, the responsibility for administering their estate often falls to a family member or close friend. In Alberta, this process (known as probate or administration if there is no Will) can appear straightforward at first glance. With online resources, such as the surrogate digital service, and court forms readily available, some Personal Representatives (the modern name for executor) consider handling probate themselves to save money.

However, probate is more than just paperwork. It is a legal process with significant responsibilities, strict requirements, and potential risks. Hiring a lawyer can make a meaningful difference in ensuring the estate is handled properly, efficiently, and with minimal stress.

When buying, selling, or mortgaging property in Alberta, married couples may encounter a concept called "Dower rights" or “Dower.” These rights are unique to certain provinces in Canada. In Alberta, they play an important role in protecting a spouse’s interest in the family home. If you are married and own property in Alberta, it is important to understand how dower rights affect your legal and financial decisions.

Title fraud can be a serious issue for property owners and unfortunately is on the rise across Canada. Fortunately, there are legal protections in place to minimize the risk and mitigate its impact. In Alberta, one such protection is the Alberta Land Titles Assurance Fund, along with the important roles of lawyers and title insurance. In this article, we’ll explore how these elements work together to safeguard property rights in Alberta.

Estate fraud is a growing issue in Alberta, affecting families, individuals, and communities alike. As the population ages and the distribution of wealth increases, estate fraud is becoming an increasingly prominent concern. Fraudulent activities targeting estates can result in devastating financial losses, fractured relationships, and legal battles. Understanding the nature of estate fraud and how to protect oneself is crucial for ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Can fraud happen at Alberta Corporate Registry? Yes it can.

We have seen the following when a shareholder or director goes to a registry office without the consent or knowledge of the other shareholders or directors:

• Remove themselves as a shareholder or director (usually done when the corporation is in financial trouble)
• Remove one of the other shareholders or directors
• Add a new shareholder or director

The Alberta Government’s 2024 budget has proposed increases for registration fees at the Land Titles Office. These fees, which cover the registration of various documents related to real estate, are essential for maintaining accurate records and legal ownership.

If you are a bare trustee in Canada, you might have heard about some changes to the filing requirements with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These changes are important to understand to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Fortunately, CRA has delayed the start of these new filing requirements for one year.

The Land Titles Offices in Alberta are currently…

We develop and use technology to respond to…

You can increase the ability to sell your business and lower the legal and accounting costs associated with the sale by preparing your business for sale.

We are often asked if there is a central government registry in Alberta where someone could search to determine whether a Will has been done. The simple answer is: No.