I am the Personal Representative of an Estate. Can I Pay Myself?
There is no question that taking on the task of a Personal Representative is time-consuming and can be emotionally charged, depending on the complexity of an Estate and the personalities you are dealing with. Whether you can pay yourself as a Personal Representative depends on a number of factors and is partially governed by Schedule 1, Part 1 – Personal Representatives' Compensation of the Surrogate Court Rules of the Alberta Rules of Court. The Surrogate Court Rules state that "Personal Representatives may receive fair and reasonable compensation for their responsibility in administering an estate by performing the Personal Representatives' duties…" and "compensation paid to a Personal Representative is for all the services performed by the Personal Representative to complete the administration of the estate, including distribution of the estate and the conclusion of any trusts". If the deceased had a Will, review the Will to determine if it states that... Read more
Administering The Estate – Protecting Yourself
A Grant of Probate and/or Grant of Administration is obtained from the Surrogate Court. A Grant of Probate is granted by the Surrogate Court when an individual dies with a Will in place.... Read more
What Is A Paralegal Anyway?
A paralegal is an individual with formal education as a legal assistant, but with a specialized skill for drafting legal documents and conducting research. A paralegal is not qualified to provide legal advice... Read more
An Executor’s Checklist – The Responsibilities Of An Executor Of An Estate
Set out below is a very extensive checklist for the executor of an Estate. While many of these items may not apply to your situation, nor is there a strict requirement to follow... Read more
The Next Step When Your Loved One Dies
PROBATING THE ESTATE IF THERE IS A WILL ADMINISTERING THE ESTATE WHEN THERE IS NO WILL In Alberta, when an individual passes away, all of their financial assets are essentially “frozen” and access... Read more
What Is A Personal Directive (Living Will)?
The Personal Directive (commonly referred to as the Living Will) is a legal document which appoints an individual to make decisions on your behalf with respect to your personal care and medical care... Read more
What Is An Enduring Power Of Attorney?
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you name someone whom you trust to take control of your financial matters when you are no longer capable of making financial... Read more
What is a Will?
A Will is a legal document which sets out your wishes with respect to the distribution of your estate upon your death. Your estate is comprised of your assets, for example, your personal... Read more
Protecting Your Interests
DEBT COLLECTION HINTS Where to go from here? You have politely requested, threatened, begged and pleaded for repayment of monies rightfully due and owing to you, but nothing is working. I thought I... Read more
Great Landlord Tips: Do This First!
Hints to Landlords from the get go! To facilitate success in the event of a tenant dispute When initially having the prospective tenant complete an application, please ensure they provide complete information for references,... Read more