Real Estate

It’s a common question of lawyers: Should I add my adult child to the title of my home so that it passes to them automatically when I die, avoiding probate? At first glance, it sounds efficient. But in most cases, it’s not the best approach. I find myself advising clients against it more often than not. 1. Maintain sovereignty over your home Your home is likely your most valuable asset, whether emotionally, financially or both. Adding an adult child to title means you no long

When selling, buying or mortgaging property in Alberta, one often-overlooked issue is dower rights. These rights can complicate real estate transactions if not addressed early. Dower rights exist on the home when only only one spouse is on the home title. The spouses must be legally married. Dower does not (yet) apply to adult interdependent partnerships ("AIPs" for short; commonly known as common-law). Here are some common scenarios in real estate deals. Also view one of the