Estate Planning

A charitable gift annuity is a gift that keeps on giving. For the life of the annuity it can generate a steady income stream for retirees and provide regular donations to charities. 

Years ago, cremation was forbidden for Catholics because those who popularized the practice did it as a way of denying the resurrection of Christ, life after death and the resurrection of the body at the end of time. Their thought was to destroy the body so that God could not resurrect it. 

With the Catholic Church playing a huge role in Fr. John Newton’s life, it seemed natural to him to remember the Archdiocese of Toronto in a significant way in his will. 

When it comes to giving to the Church, the adage that cash is king is not necessarily true. 

One of the most challenging issues in estate planning is how to handle the disposition of a vacation property. The challenge is how to dispose of such property either during life or at death. For those with a small family or perhaps a single child, the decision is not challenging. For those with multiple children, the decision on whether to retain family vacation properties or share them among members of the family can be difficult. 

A comprehensive estate plan provides for the transfer of assets to designated heirs after a person’s death as well as makes provisions for management of a person’s affairs in the event they are incapable of doing so themselves while still alive. An estate plan ensures your wishes are carried out. But it must be created properly. Below Amanda J. Stacey, a partner in the Private Client Services and Charity and Not-for- Profit groups at Miller Thomson LLP., reviews some of the most common estate planning mistakes and pitfalls. 

In life, Fr. Edwin Platt exhibited a great love for the priesthood and for the well-being of his fellow priests. In death, that love will endure due to a gift Fr. Platt left for the benefit of his priestly brethren. 

Peter Mohanty believes the obligation of Catholics to support the Church is lifelong — and beyond. We should be generous during our life and remember the Church at death. For Mohanty, that has meant including ShareLife in his will. 

Many people are so worried that thieves will break into their homes that they hide their valuables. And sometimes they neglect to let anyone know where things are. 

If you’re tying the knot, it’s time to draft an estate plan.