Akua Carmichael

Akua Carmichael, LL.B, J.D., TEP, is vice-president, Estate Planning and Services, with Estate Stewards. She can be reached at acarmichael@estatestewards.com.

Tax & Estate

When a gift may not be a gift

Help your client avoid potential litigation over a resulting trust

By Akua Carmichael |November 12, 2024

5 min read

Planning and Advice

Appointing adult children to manage finances

Clients often grant power of attorney for property to a trusted family member; an adult child is not always the best choice

By Akua Carmichael |October 1, 2024

4 min read

Estate Planning

Common gaps when appointing an attorney for property and personal care

A case study explains the challenges

By Akua Carmichael |November 10, 2022

5 min read

Estate Planning

Power of attorney and incapacity planning: Do you have a plan?

Addressing estate planning’s ignored middle child

By Akua Carmichael |September 23, 2022

3 min read

Advisor's Edge

How to avoid succession battles with the family cottage

Keeping it in the family and maintaining harmony

By Akua Carmichael |November 2, 2021

4 min read

Advisor's Edge

Avoiding a dependant’s relief claim

A recent court case illustrates the risks that come with longer lives

By Akua Carmichael |February 7, 2020

4 min read

Estate Planning

Estate planning centres on one main goal: preserving estate assets. While advisors offer planning advice and employ various strategies to reduce the tax liability of the deceased’s estate, even the best efforts can be fruitless if the estate faces claims that wind up in court.

By Akua Carmichael |May 29, 2013

5 min read

Industry

Creating a circle of trust

Testamentary trusts can be a useful tool in creating an estate plan, and ensuring that spouses who remarry, children from previous marriages and disabled children are all looked after. They are established through a will and become effective upon death. A trust requires three people: The settlor is the creator of the trust, who transfers […]

By Akua Carmichael |May 14, 2010

5 min read

Industry

Assessing Trustee Liability

The Ontario Superior Court case, Hicks v. Hicks, 2003 CanLii 2132 (ON S.C.), presents some interesting issues regarding trustee liability in situations where a trust incurs a loss. Anne Marie Hicks is the widow of Charles Hicks. Charles left an estate valued at approximately $15 million. He left a $9 million spousal trust and a […]

By Akua Carmichael |May 1, 2010

5 min read