Modifying an Existing Family Court Order in Edmonton: What You Need To Know

You may have been issued a court order at the end of a family law matter that you are hoping to have amended in some way. Before doing so, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with what an order is, and when and how to begin the modification process.

At Verhaeghe Law Office, our Edmonton family lawyers may be able to help you pursue a modification to an existing order. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What Is a Court Order?

Alberta court procedures for civil or family law hearings tend to follow a relatively standard structure. At the end of a family law proceeding, the court will typically provide the involved parties with an order that may dictate how matters should be handled moving forwards. A court order may be considered final or temporary (interim). It may take some time to receive a final order.

Instances When a Court Order Would Need to Be Modified

You may want to modify a court order because you never agreed with its terms, or because the circumstances under which the order used to work have now changed. Some common reasons why you may seek to modify a family court order include:

Amending decision-making responsibilities, parenting times, or other parenting arrangements: This may be necessary if one parent is relocating, remarrying, if your child’s needs or preferences have changed, and more.
A change in financial circumstances: If you or your ex-spouse has experienced a significant change in income, support payments may need to reflect this and be altered.
Violating an existing order: If a court-issued order is not being followed by one or both of the parties, you may seek a modification to enforce or adjust the terms.
Medical or health issues: If there has been a significant change in the health or wellbeing of an involved party, such as a parent or child, the order may need to be amended to accommodate these changes.
Protection from domestic violence: If the order does not address concerns surrounding domestic abuse or an unsafe environment, you may seek a modification to protect all parties involved.
And more.

How Our Edmonton Family Law Lawyers Can Assist with Modifying a Court Order

You may want to consider why you believe a modification is necessary before moving ahead with the process. When doing so, it could be useful to consult an Edmonton family lawyer. Together, you may be able to review the existing order and brainstorm about the precise amendments that you hope to attain and why.

Then, you may need to gather supporting documentation or evidence to substantiate your request, which may include employment or financial records, medical reports, and more.

In some situations, it may be possible to get an order modified outside of court through mediation or negotiation. However, if this is not possible, you and your lawyer may have to file a motion for modification. In this case, you may have to submit paperwork and attend a hearing before a judge. We always recommend hiring a family lawyer for these types of situations.

If your request is approved by the judge, they may issue a new court order that reflects those changes. This now replaces the previous order, meaning that all involved parties are legally obligated to adhere to these new guidelines.

Contact Our Edmonton Family Law Lawyers for a Consultation

Whether you hope to amend a parenting plan, alter divorce-related payments, or make any other changes to an existing court order in a family law case, it may be helpful to speak to a lawyer who can familiarize themselves with the particulars of your situation.

If you would like to speak to our family lawyers about making a modification to a court order, contact Verhaeghe Law Office today to schedule a consultation.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of family law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta family lawyer.

Brain Injury Awareness: Impact, Recovery, and Legal Assistance in Edmonton

A brain injury can profoundly impact an individual’s life, as well as their supporting family members. These injuries can seriously alter a person’s emotional and physical wellbeing - which could affect day-to-day activities in a temporary or permanent manner.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from a brain injury, you may want to consider seeking legal counsel. Our Edmonton personal injury lawyers be able to determine if you are entitled to compensation and help you file a claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Causes and Types of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can occur in many different ways, though they typically happen when the body endures a fast acceleration or deceleration of force. In Alberta, an acquired brain injury is defined as occurring after you are born, and is caused by an illness or injury (but is not an illness that gets worse with time like Alzheimer’s disease).

Many types of injuries can cause brain damage, including a blow to the head area, a lack of oxygen, whiplash, and more. Local damage occurs when only a few parts or just one section of the brain is hurt. When many areas of the brain suffer an injury, this is known as diffuse damage.

An overview of brain and spinal cord injuries makes clear that injuries can occur in many different situations. Common ones include motor vehicle accidents, slipping and falling, medical malpractice, a workplace incident, by almost drowning or suffocating, and much more. If it is found that your injury was caused due to someone’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

What Does Rehabilitation Look like for Survivors of Brain Injuries?

The recovery process for a brain injury will vary case to case, depending on which part of the brain is hurt and the severity of the injury. Along with immediate medical treatment, there may be prolonged medical attention needed for the brain to rehabilitate as fully as possible. This could include the monitoring of neurological symptoms, undergoing therapies, cognitive and physical rehabilitation, at-home care assistance, and other outpatient programs. You may also seek emotional and psychological support during this time.

Both the short-term and long-term management of a brain injury can be expensive. Depending on your case, you may consider reaching out to an Edmonton personal injury lawyer to seek compensation that could help cover these costs.

Compensation Available for Brain Injury Survivors

In Edmonton, your compensation options vary, depending on your injury’s cause and severity level. You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim if the accident in which you got injured was a result of the negligence or wrongdoing of another party.

If your brain injury occurred at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. In Alberta, you would file a claim with the Workers Compensation Board. If approved, you may be able to cover lost wages, rehabilitation, disability benefits, and other medical expenses.

If your injuries were sustained during a motor vehicle accident for which you are not at fault, then you could be covered under certain insurance policies. You may be eligible to receive compensation from an at-fault party or insurance company if liability is established through a lawsuit or settlement negotiation.

Contact Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Dealing with a brain injury is difficult in many ways. You may be trying to heal, adapt to your new situation, and navigate new territory with family members - all while perhaps trying to seek legal justice.

At Verhaeghe Law Office, we understand how difficult and multifaceted this situation may be, which is why you should consider reaching out to our Edmonton personal injury lawyers. They may be able to help you navigate this complex area of the law. To book a free consultation, contact us today.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of personal injury law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta personal injury lawyer.

What Happens If You’ve been Charged With Assault in Edmonton

Charges of assault are taken very seriously under Canada’s Criminal Code. Assault is committed when there is intentional use, attempt, or threat of non-consensual physical violence towards another person. This can also include threats or accosting someone with a weapon.

If you or a loved one has been charged with assault, the very first step you should take is to speak to a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Criminal law is incredibly complicated and requires many levels of mandatory procedures. Contact us at Verhaeghe Law Office today to schedule a consultation with our Edmonton criminal defense lawyers who may be able to help you.

Statistics on Assault Charges in Edmonton

According to the Edmonton Police Service, violent crimes went up 16.5% (per 100,000 people) in 2022 in Edmonton. Rates in 2023 also showed an upward trend, with violent crimes increasing up to 12% in just the first six months.

The violent crimes with the highest increase level between 2021 into 2022 were assault level 1, up 32%, and assault level 2 (includes a weapon/causing bodily harm), which was up 14%.

Types of Assault Charges

As detailed in the Canadian Criminal Code, there are three main types of assault charges. Each of them come with varying levels of conviction options based on the severity of the crime.

Assault level 1: Known as common assault (s. 266), this is the least serious form of assault that you can be charged with in Canada. It often refers to assault where no weapon was used.
Assault level 2: Assault causing bodily harm or assault with a weapon (s. 267). A weapon can refer to anything designed or intended to be used to hurt another person.
Assault level 3: Is aggravated assault (s. 268). This is the most serious form of assault and may include all forms of injury short of death. It tends to be in reference to the consequences of the assault, not the manner in which the assault is carried out.

Other types of assault include assaulting a police officer (s. 270), assaulting a peace officer with a weapon or causing bodily harm (s. 270.01), aggravated assault of a peace officer (2. 270.02), sexual assault, and more.

What Should You Do If You Have Been Charged with Assault?

When you have been criminally charged, it is important to remember your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer. Thus, you should contact an Edmonton criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact Our Edmonton Criminal Lawyers

Having a criminal record can dramatically impact your life’s trajectory. When charged with any level of assault in Edmonton, there are many areas with which you may need a lawyer's help. This could include steps after your arrest, facing a charge, bail hearings, court proceedings, possible sentencing, and appeal options.

Our criminal defense lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office may be able to assist or advise you through some or all of these processes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and go over the particulars of your case.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of criminal law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta criminal lawyer.

Choosing a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Edmonton: Key Considerations

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, hiring a criminal lawyer to represent you is incredibly important. You may factor in their experience, personality, and areas of practice when deciding if you should work with them.

You may want to speak to our criminal defense lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office to discuss the particulars of your case and see if we may be able to assist you. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Things to Look for When Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer

A lawyer should uphold a significant level of professionalism and exhibit strong ethics. You want to work with someone who is responsible, consistent, and respectful. You may want a lawyer who is responsive and relatively easy to get in touch with should you have questions or concerns throughout the process. You should feel comfortable with your lawyer and trust that they will build a strong strategic defense that is tailored to your objectives and circumstances.

They should be licensed to practice law in Alberta and be in good standing with the Law Society. You should also consider their areas of practice and confirm that it pertains to your specific area of criminal law. With that, you may want to weigh their years of experience and reputation - if possible, it may be helpful to speak to previous clients about their experience.

Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Lawyer during a Consultation

When it is time to hire a lawyer, here are some questions to ask during your first meeting:

Be upfront about legal fees to avoid any surprises later on in the process. What will this cost you and what are the payment structures available?
What is their experience with this area of the law? Have they ever worked on a case similar to yours?
What resources are available to them and you? Are they part of a large law firm? Do they have a big client list and are they very busy?
What is their communication style and does it match yours? How often would they be in touch?
What would they need from you throughout the process? What are their expectations of you as their client?
Are they currently available to take on your case? Who would be primarily responsible for your case?
What is their legal assessment of your case? What might their proposed plan of action be?
And more.

The Importance of Honesty with Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

Communication is key when working with your Edmonton criminal defense lawyer. You and your lawyer should be accessible to one another and have conversations that are open. Honesty is the best policy when working with someone who is navigating a high-stakes legal situation on your behalf. You should look for someone with whom you can trust and feel comfortable with. When they have all the facts, your lawyer may be able to fully determine what you are up against, and thus create the best possible defense.

Book a Consultation with Our Edmonton Criminal Lawyers

When charged with a criminal offense, you may have a limited window of time to seek legal counsel, so the sooner you meet with a lawyer the better. Selecting the right lawyer may be the most critical element of your case - with proper support, you could be much closer to achieving your desired outcome.

At Verhaeghe Law Office, our criminal defense lawyers provide services that are tailored to your personal situation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Estate Administration for Blended Families: Navigating Complex Situations

Handling the intricacies of estate planning and administration may be especially complicated for a blended family. It can be difficult to navigate the intertwining dynamics and evolving interests of all parties involved.

Our Edmonton estate administration lawyers can offer valuable legal guidance with regards to your family and estate, no matter your family structure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Common Issues Blended Families Face

Every blended family is unique, and so are their problems that could arise when dealing with estate matters. That being said, there are some common issues that may be worth noting. They include:

Handling the relationships between step and biological children;
The financial stability of a surviving spouse;
Extensive or confusing tax implications;
Conflicts between extended family members;
Addressing wills and other legal documents that may have been created before the family dynamic changed;
And more.

A blended family occurs when two people begin a legal partnership (marriage or common law) that brings their children from previous partnerships together into a new family dynamic. They may also have biological children of their own, adopt additional children, and so on. When one of these parents passes away, financial and emotional issues may arise as the family dynamic shifts.

There may be preemptive measures that you and your new spouse/partner can implement to better prepare your blended family for the future administration of your estate. In any case, it may prove useful to contact an Edmonton estate administration lawyer to go over your options.

Creating a Will

When your family blends with another, you and your partner may want to consider reassessing your estate plans. That way, you have an updated plan in place that takes your new family dynamic into account. You may create a mutual wills agreement or implement two separate wills. It may be useful to name an executor that can remain impartial and is capable of managing complex family issues should they arise.

Regardless of how you and your new family choose to proceed, you may want to review the essentials to estate planning, and how to begin the process in Edmonton. Through this, you may be able to create a plan that reflects your family’s goals and wishes when establishing a power of attorney, probates, beneficiaries, and more.

Consider a Trust or Prenup

You may want to think about adding a trust to your estate plan. This will help you and your spouse/partner protect assets and provide for both your family’s current and future financial requirements. Plus, trusts may be structured in a way that can accommodate the many needs of a blended family. They could ensure that your assets are one day distributed in the way that you choose. There are various types of trusts available for estate planning purposes in Alberta that may be worth looking into with your lawyer.

A prenuptial agreement may also help determine your estate’s future. Created before your marriage, a prenup is an opportunity to start having collaborative discussions about difficult or confusing financial issues. By doing so, your blended family will be prepared and protected for whatever the future may hold.

In any situation, your blended family may benefit from keeping the lines of communication open, and by reviewing your plan as your family grows and changes.

Contact Our Edmonton Estate Administration Lawyers Today

As you and your loved ones work through the complexities of estate planning and administration for your blended family, it may be beneficial to speak to a lawyer.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of estate law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta estate lawyer.

Common Issues in Family Law Mediation and Arbitration

It can be difficult to navigate the legalities of a family issue, especially when it comes to mediation and arbitration. Problems may sometimes arise, adding stress to what is probably already an emotional process.

It may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of these potential challenges ahead of time, so you can be as prepared as possible. Our Edmonton family lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office may be able to walk you through your options in a family law matter. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What Is Mediation and Arbitration?

In the province of Alberta, the acronym ADR stands for Adaptive, Appropriate, or Alternative Dispute Resolution. Under the umbrella of family law, an ADR typically refers to alternative dispute resolutions that may be used for divorces or separations.

In a family mediation, the two separating spouses have a chance to discuss the terms of their separation with the help of a neutral third party. This mediator may provide guidance and help the parties navigate through agreement-focused conversations regarding parenting plans, division of property, and more. This ADR may be the best choice when both parties are actively willing to collaborate, as it is their responsibility to reach a mutual agreement.

Similarly, arbitration is a resolution option in which a neutral third party meets with the separating spouses. But unlike family mediation, the arbitrator acts similarly to a judge, and may decide on issues and make binding orders based on what they learn from the separating parties.

Unwillingness to Cooperate

Both mediation and arbitration are court alternatives for divorce or family law proceedings in Edmonton. In order for them to work, the two parties must be willing to cooperate with each other to some extent. If there is an unwillingness to work together, then an ADR may not be the best option, and the case may instead have to go to court.

To that point, mediation or arbitration will not work if one of the parties withholds compulsory information or documentation. If you or your separating partner are unwilling to participate in good faith or there is a high degree of emotional intensity, then an ADR may not be successful. In any case, you may want to speak to an Edmonton family lawyer about what option is most appropriate for you and your family.

Deciding If Mediation or Arbitration Is Right for You

A successful mediation or arbitration is one that ends with the signing of legal documents. These agreements may enforce and formalize the decisions that were reached during the ADR process.

In most cases, you have the option of walking away from an ADR without signing any documents. ADRs are not usually compulsory, so they can be terminated if they are not working for one or both parties. In these cases, you will likely have to take your case to court.

Mediators and arbitrators may take the time to ask you questions to determine if an ADR is the most correct choice for your case. For example, if there are safety concerns, high amounts of conflict, a power imbalance, or family violence, they may deem that an ADR is not appropriate.

Contact Our Edmonton Family Lawyers to Schedule a Consultation

Depending on your circumstances, you may find there are more pros than cons to mediation or arbitration. ADRs tend to be more cooperative, child-friendly, private, less time consuming, and cost effective. That being said, you should consider all potential benefits and issues in order to determine what could work best in your situation.

At Verhaeghe Law Office, our family lawyers are available for a consultation if you need legal assistance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries: An Overview

Brain and spinal cord injuries can have massive consequences on your quality of life. It may impact your ability to work and could result in the need for lifelong medical assistance.

If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord or brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation and will likely require a newfound level of support. At Verhaeghe Law Office, our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you get compensation that you deserve, so that you can successfully adapt to your newfound circumstances. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Causes of Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

There are many accidents and incidents in which you may sustain a brain or spinal cord injury. Some causes include:

A motor vehicle accident: You can get injured very seriously if you and/or your vehicle collide with another motor vehicle or other objects.
Slip, trip and fall accidents: Whether you fall from a large height, slip and land on your back, or hit your head, it is possible to seriously hurt a portion of your spinal cord or brain.
Workplace accidents: Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen in the workplace that could lead to serious trauma to the brain or spinal cord.
Medical malpractice: Sometimes, medical professionals make mistakes that result in serious injuries to a patient. It is possible for these mistakes to be a result of their carelessness or negligence.

In some situations, the accident may not necessarily be your fault. If you get injured on unsafe premises, another party may be found negligent. Similarly, if you are in a car accident where the other party is found faulty, then you may be entitled to compensation.

Steps after Injury

Your top priority is to seek medical attention after you have sustained a suspected spinal cord or brain injury. This may involve calling an ambulance, hospitalization, surgeries, and continuous rehabilitation therapies.

If you or a loved one is able, you may want to record any and all information about the accident and the medical care you have received. If you believe your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, this information could be used as evidence to support your claim. You should also contact an Edmonton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Claims and Compensation

Together, you and your personal injury lawyer will decide whether you should file a claim, either with an insurance company or the alleged at-fault party. Medical records, witness statements, expert opinions from medical professionals, accident reports, and more will be collected to build your case.

In Canada, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation if you were injured in an unsafe premises, due to the negligence of a third party, or in an accident. Awarded compensation may be able to cover costs due to medical bills, lost income or future lost work, and other living expenses due to the possible lasting effects of a brain or spinal cord injury.

Speak to Our Edmonton Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Brain and spinal cord injuries can be very serious and potentially change your life forever. After you have sought medical attention, you may want to consider your legal options and start a claim - as you may be entitled to compensation from a faulty party or insurance company.

Our Edmonton personal injury lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office may be able to help you. We could assess your situation, determine whether you are entitled to compensation, and help you open a claim. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today.

Tips for Working With Your Family Lawyer

There are many reasons why you may require the assistance of a family lawyer. Whether you are undergoing a separation, divorce, adoption, or any other legal changes to your family unit, a family lawyer may be able to offer necessary guidance and support.

Family law can be complex. To ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible, there are some ways in which you can help yourself and your lawyer. At Verhaeghe Law Office, our Edmonton family lawyers have decades of experience in family law matters. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Organize and Collect Necessary Documents

When working with a lawyer, it may be useful to prepare notes and gather any information that could help your lawyer understand your position and family dynamic. Your case may require many particular documents such as financial records, property and asset information, and more. A major way you may be able to help streamline your family law process is by being as prepared and organized as possible.

It may also prove useful to familiarize yourself with the basic principles of family law legislation as it pertains to your case. Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions and stay actively engaged throughout the process.

Communication is Key

When working with a lawyer, it is important to communicate openly and honestly about the details of your case, your goals and needs, and your concerns. Foster a trusting relationship by communicating as clearly as you can with your lawyer and their entire team.

Providing and accepting feedback may also be helpful - that way, you can move through conflict in a professional and efficient manner should it arise. There should be a level of mutual respect between you and your lawyer when it comes to each other’s time commitments, boundaries, and obligations. Together, your Edmonton family lawyer may be able to help you and your family through what is oftentimes an emotional legal process.

Focus on Resolution

It is important to collaborate constructively with your lawyer and their team. No matter how emotional your case may be, focus on finding a resolution for the sake of all the parties involved - especially if there are children. Stay open to the idea of negotiation or compromise where possible.

You may also want to try to manage your expectations along the way. Cases take time and may not go as you expect, so be ready to adapt to change. By doing so, you and your collaborators may make important decisions more efficiently - such as determining new living situations, spousal support payments, or how to succeed at co-parenting after a separation or a divorce.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Edmonton Family Lawyers Today

There are ways to assist your family lawyer as they navigate the legal intricacies of your case. Do what you can to help yourself by being prepared, focused, and keeping an open line of communication throughout every step of the process.

At Verhaeghe Law Office, our Edmonton family lawyers work with clients facing many different types of family matters. Whether you are looking into adoption, creating a prenup, or filing for divorce, we may be able to provide you with legal guidance that is tailored to your unique needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.

The Role of an Estate Lawyer: When Do You Need One?

Everyone should prepare for the future, no matter their age or situation. As you and your loved ones move through the process of estate planning, there are numerous situations in which you should seek the help of an estate lawyer.

At Verhaeghe Law, our Edmonton estate administration lawyers work with our clients to navigate this complex area of law. At Verhaeghe Law Office, our Edmonton estate lawyers may be able to assist you with various aspects of estate planning. Contact us to go over the specifics of your situation today.

Estate Planning

An estate lawyer can administer a wide range of estate planning initiatives. They can work with you to create a will or build a comprehensive estate plan, ensuring that after you pass away, your assets are handled in accordance with your wishes. They may also be able to help you create trusts and build an estate plan that is tax efficient.

Estate lawyers can also help you prepare a personal directive, which formally names an “agent” to act on your behalf should you become unable to make personal decisions. Estate lawyers can also help you create a power of attorney, where a representative is selected to make your financial decisions should you lose capacity in some way. In addition, estate lawyers may also be able to help you navigate the complexities of guardianship or conservatorship for incapacitated adults or minors.

Estate Administration and Probates

After someone passes away, an estate lawyer can help the executor navigate the sometimes stressful and time-consuming process of estate administration. This may include fiduciary and accounting duties, working with creditors and discharging estate debt, preparing and distributing estate accounts, and much more.

Estate lawyers also provide probate services, which is a legal process that authenticates and validates a will. It affirms that the executor can act on behalf of the estate, and ensures that the will can be carried out as it was written.

If the deceased did not have a will or if the executor is unwilling to fulfill their duty, estate lawyers can create a letter of administration. An official court document that proves that an individual has the authority to execute the estate, the letter may be used as an alternative to probate.

Estate Disputes and Litigation

If there is a disagreement or dispute amongst the heirs or beneficiaries, Edmonton estate litigation lawyers may be called in to help resolve these conflicts. If a dispute cannot be initially resolved, then a lawyer could help you through the formal, legal process of estate litigation.

Following the loss of a loved one, estate litigation may occur when disputes arise about their remaining will. An estate lawyer can provide legal advice to estate trustees and beneficiaries on many different challenges, including will interpretation and disputes, capacity issues, relief claims, and more.

Speak to an Edmonton Estate Lawyer Today

It is important to prepare for whatever the future may hold. With the help of an estate lawyer, you may be able to establish a cohesive plan for the estate and loved ones you may one day leave behind. In turn, estate lawyers also help surviving relatives and friends handle the estate of someone who has passed on.

At Verhaeghe Law Office, our Edmonton estate lawyers assist clients with wills, probates, estate litigation, and more. If you need help creating your estate plan or with other areas of estate law, contact Verhaeghe Law Office today.

New Bare Trust Tax Filing Rules

While the Income Tax Act does not define what a bare trust is, the Canada Revenue Agency refers to it as “a bare trust for income tax purposes is a trust arrangement under which the trustee can reasonably by considered to act as agent for all the beneficiaries under the trust with respect to all dealings with all of the trust’s property.” Basically, when an individual holds legal title to an asset but some parts belong to someone else. Unlike other trusts which are established by a lawyer, a bare trust is an informal arrangement and is created by merely adding an individuals’ name to an account or to ownership of real estate.

Requirements for Filing Tax Returns

Bare trusts need to file T3 Trust Income Tax and Information Returns for the 2023 tax year. The CRA provides guidelines on this here. You will need to provide identification and other information along with your filing. You will need to provide a summary of tax and credits and complete all parts of the Schedule. In the past, Canadians were not required to submit these type of filings to the CRA however you will need to start doing so this tax season. The rules can be confusing, so we recommend you consult with a legal professional to ensure you do this properly.

At Verhaeghe Law Office, we can help you with all your legal needs with respect to bare trusts. Contact our Edmonton estate law lawyers today and let us put our experience to work for you. Proudly located in Edmonton, we can help clients in the Greater Edmonton Area and throughout Alberta.