Arcus Legal is excited to congratulate Erin O’Brien Edmonds, KC, TEP, for being named Lawyer of the Year in Halifax for Trusts & Estates in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™!
This prestigious recognition is a testament to Erin’s unparalleled expertise, dedication, and leadership in the field. Her commitment to providing the highest level of service to her clients continues to inspire us all.
Congratulations, Erin! We’re incredibly proud of you and this remarkable achievement.
Read more about Erin here: https://www.arcuslegal.ca/erin-obrien-edmonds/
A huge congratulations to Myles L. Bilodeau, TEP, for being recognized by his peers in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for his outstanding work in Tax Law.
Myles’ dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence have earned him this well-deserved recognition. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and the high standard of service he continues to provide for our clients.
Way to go, Myles!
Read more about Myles here: https://www.arcuslegal.ca/myles-bilodeau/
Our team at Arcus Legal congratulates Erin O’Brien Edmonds, KC, TEP on an impressive 40 years in the practice of law.
Throughout her illustrious career, Erin has established herself as a leading expert in Real Estate and Wills & Estates, earning numerous accolades and the respect of her peers and clients alike.
We have been asked several times after the 2024 federal budget what the tax implications of emigrating from Canada will be. We do not specialize in emigration but decided to give a brief description to our clients of issues to consider. When a Canadian resident decides to emigrate, they are subject to certain tax implications that can significantly affect their financial planning. The primary consideration is the “departure tax,” which operates under the assumption that the individual has disposed of their property at its fair market value on the day they leave Canada.… [Read more]
A Henson Trust is a type of trust established primarily for the benefit of individuals with disabilities, particularly those who qualify to receive government benefits. The key feature of a Henson Trust is that it is designed to protect the assets held within the trust from being considered as assets of the beneficiary for the purpose of determining eligibility for these government assistance programs. The disability can be mental or physical. The term Henson Trust is named after the successful litigant in a landmark Ontario case. In Henson v. Ontario, the Ontario courts found that certain assets held inside of a fully discretionary trust are not to be considered in an assessment for benefits under a means-based government assistance scheme.… [Read more]
We are pleased to welcome our newest lawyer here at Arcus Legal, Cassandra (Cassie) Taylor.
Cassie has joined our Wills & Estates department, bringing over five years of experience in the areas of estate planning and estate administration. She looks forward to working with the Arcus team to assist individuals and families with their wills and estate needs. When she is not in the office, Cassie enjoys spending her time with her Australian Shepherds, Mya and Nora, and her horse, Luna.
Arcus Legal is pleased to congratulate Erin O’Brien Edmonds, KC, TEP, on being selected by her peers as the Best Lawyers® 2024 Real Estate “Lawyer of the Year” in Halifax. Having previously won this award in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021, this year marks the fifth time Erin has received this honour. Erin is also recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada® for her work in Trusts and Estates.
Commercial leases play a crucial role in establishing the relationship between landlords and tenants. However, many tenants in Nova Scotia may not be aware of the potential ramifications of signing a lease agreement without a termination clause. This essay serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks and liabilities commercial tenants may face if their lease agreement lacks a termination clause.
1. Understanding the Termination Clause:
A termination clause in a commercial lease provides tenants with the right to end the lease agreement prematurely, subject to specific conditions or penalties as outlined in the clause. Without a termination clause, tenants may find themselves bound to the lease for the entire term, regardless of their circumstances or changing business needs.… [Read more]
Family Trust is a legal arrangement in which a person, known as the settlor, transfers assets (such as money, real estate, or investments) to a trust that is managed by one or more trustees for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are typically family members, such as a spouse, children, or grandchildren.
In Nova Scotia, Family Trusts can be established as either an Inter Vivos Trust (created during the settlor’s lifetime) or a Testamentary Trust (created upon the settlor’s death through their Will). Family Trusts can offer various benefits, including:
1. Tax planning: A Family Trust can help minimize taxes under very specific circumstances and mostly in the case where there is a sale of an active business owned by the trust.… [Read more]
Selling your company in Nova Scotia involves several steps, and it is highly recommended to seek the guidance of a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Here is an outline of the process:
1. Prepare your business for sale: Before putting your company on the market, make sure it is in the best possible shape. This may include improving financial records, resolving outstanding legal issues, optimizing operations, and ensuring all necessary licenses and permits are up to date.
2. Get a Valuation: Determine the fair market value of your company. This can be done by consulting with a professional business valuator or using industry-specific valuation methods.… [Read more]