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Canadian courts have consistently ruled that a gift made by cheque fails if the cheque is not deposited and cleared before the donor’s death, regardless of how clear or well‑intentioned the gift may have been. Because a cheque does not transfer money until it is paid, the funds remain part of the estate if death intervenes, often leading to unexpected outcomes and disputes. The cases discussed highlight why informal, last‑minute gifts can be risky and underscore the importance of proper estate planning to ensure intentions are carried out.

In Cusack v. Cusack, the BCSC clarified the post-Tom v. Tang framework for assessing whether the disinheritance of an adult child is justified. The Court found that, although the plaintiff’s estrangement from her father during childhood was not her fault, because she later reconciled with her father and then chose to become estranged again, this subsequent estrangement was found to negate her father’s moral obligations toward her and to justify her disinheritance.

The Underused Housing Tax Act imposes an annual tax of 1% of the value of vacant or underused residential property that is owned directly or indirectly by persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and certain other entities, unless an exemption applies.

The British Columbia Court of Appeal upheld a decision reducing gifts to grandchildren but ruled that giving the daughter more than the son infringed testamentary autonomy.

Starting December 1, 2021, the BC Courts can accept a will that is created, signed or stored electronically.