Listen to Executor Obligations
This week on Hull on Estate and Succession Planning, Ian and Suzana discuss what to anticipate as an executor and how to ensure that you are well prepared for your duties.
Hello. My name is Paul Trudelle, and I am an associate with Hull and Hull LLP. I am the guest "blogger" this week. I plan to use my time and space to address some of the issues surrounding the due execution of a will.
Execution of a will is often seen as a simple task, but the process can sometimes pose serious challenges to the practitioner retained to prepare an effective will. Challenges to the validity of a will on the basis of due execution are common, as are solicitor negligence actions where the will fails as a result of improper execution.
The requirements for due execution of a will are set out in Part I of the Succession Law Reform Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.26 as amended ("SLRA"). The SLRA provides the framework for the valid execution of a will. These sections merit a review. Section 3 provides that a will is valid only when it is in writing. "Writing" is defined in s. 29 of the Interpretation Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. I.11 as including words printed, painted, engraved, lithographed, photographed, or represented or reproduced by any other mode in a visible form.
There is no provision for videotaped wills in Ontario. A will may be written in a foreign language. However, when applying for a Certificate of Appointment, the Court must be furnished with an authenticated translation. Alternatively, a non-English speaking testator can have the English will read to him by a translator. The translator should swear an affidavit averring that the will was read over to the testator and that he or she appeared to understand it. Section 4(1) of the SLRA sets out the requirements for due execution.
Tomorrow, I will look closely at the requirements of this section.
Have a great day. Paul Trudelle
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