Everyone has the ability to deal with their assets in any way they see fit during their lifetime. The theory goes that one should have that same ability upon death.

Testamentary freedom is an unassailable concept in Canadian law. There are very few ways in which a testator's authority to deal with their estate – in whatever way they wish – is fettered.

Once example is through dependant's support legislation. The determination as to who is a dependant and to what extent a dependant shall be compensated varies greatly from province to province.

This is an excerpt from an Ontario Bar Association, please click here to read the rest of the story.