Practice

Helping spouses plan

(September 2006) Until recently, divorcing spouses often lacked the counsel needed to look into the future of a settlement agreement to determine its financial fitness. Yes, lawyers, pension analysts, business valuators, social workers and accountants have played an important role in advising spouses about their financial futures (“after-tax”). However, none of these specialists have been […]

By Kathryn Jankowski |April 9, 2007

5 min read

Amicable division

(April 2005) After 18 years of marriage, Ken and Josie (all client names have been changed) decided to throw in the towel. Both accepted they’d be happier apart, so long as they were assured their 10-year-old daughter, Susan, would receive the support of both parents, and that they could agree to an equitable distribution of […]

By Michael Berton |April 9, 2007

3 min read

To Clients: The 2007 Federal Budget and your financial plan

Being proactive counts with clients. Send out this letter to show them you are up to date on current affairs. Dear [Client/Prospect name], As you know, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered his second federal budget on Monday in Ottawa. This budget has many items that could affect your financial plan and present additional savings and […]

By Staff |March 19, 2007

2 min read

Legally speaking: Goodwill undone

(March 2007) Identical wills, mutual wills, mirror wills — as long as clients have a will at all they’re ahead of the game, right? Wrong. Couples, whether they’re married couples, business partners, life partners, relatives or friends who have shared assets, often create wills that are intended to protect and benefit the surviving spouse or […]

By Harold Geller |March 14, 2007

5 min read