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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, A pr il 15 ,2 02 1 | 24 LITIGATIONlegal matters My father passed away more than a year ago, and my uncle is the estate trustee. My siblings and I have questions about my uncle's handling of the estate. For example, my uncle sold property of my father's but has not provided any information on the proceeds from the sales. We want to know what our uncle has done with the money. How do we get answers from him? Q A ASK THE PROFESSIONAL J. David Keith Partner Commercial and Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Estate Litigation. OFFICE LOCATIONS GEORGETOWN 8 Guelph Street 905 452 7400 BRAMPTON OFFICE (Main) 350 Rutherford Road S., Suite 320 905 452 7400 CALEDON EAST 15955 Airport Road, Suite 201 905 584 4545 The estate trustee is legally obligated to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. As a beneficiary, you are entitled to require the estate trustee to account. The process is called passing accounts and requires that the estate trustee provide an accounting of the assets and liabilities of the estate, as well as transactions undertaken by the estate trustee. The passing of accounts also identifies any compensation taken by the estate trustee for administering the estate. Once the estate trustee prepares the accounts, a judge decides whether to accept them. Passing accounts may be initiated by the estate trustee, or by beneficiaries. Where an estate trustee initiates the process, beneficiaries may serve notice that they object to the accounts being passed. Passing accounts also applies to persons acting under a power of attorney or guardianship. Where a court finds that the estate trustee engaged in misconduct, neglect or default, a judge may award damages for which the estate trustee is personally liable. If you are dealing with an estate issue, give us a call to set up a free ½ hour consultation. Enjoy the weekend The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. Empowering Clients. Enriching the Community. 221 Miller Dr., Georgetown 905-873-6776 • GenesisHealthTeam.com InPerson, Phone & Virtual Appts 221 Miller DrInPerson, Phone & WALK-IN & FAMILY CLINIC Open 7 Days a Week Where good health begins SAVING YOU MORE For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com. ON NOW AT THE BRICK! In light of the demands placed on the health-care system during the pandem- ic, a Georgetown church has donated the entire pro- ceeds of their annual live auction. St. Andrew's Unit- ed Church (89 Mountain- view Rd. S.) donated $5,500, the entirety of the proceeds of the church's online auc- tions that replaced their annual Spring Fest Com- munity Live Auction. The decision to support the Georgetown Hospital Foundation was made in November 2019. "In retrospect, we couldn't have picked a bet- ter, and more needy orga- nization to support," wrote Margaret Yahiro, a mem- ber of the church. "Normal- ly, we divide the auction proceeds, with some going to the work of the church an some going to our select- ed charity." NEWS Members of St. Andrew's United Church: Alan Grundy, a member of the church's auction committee, and Rev. Grant Williams, minister at the church, presented Connor Vincent of the Georgetown Hospital Foundation with at cheque from the proceeds of the church's live auctions. Bryan Myers/Metroland CHURCH SUPPORTS HOSPITAL FOUNDATION BRYAN MYERS bmyers@metroland.com