As of January 1, 2025, significant changes to the Succession Law Reform Act fully took hold. Now, if you have been separated for three years (or have a formal separation agreement), your “separated spouse” is automatically treated as if they predeceased you in your Will.
In Ontario, the traditional "I leave everything to my spouse" Will can be a legal minefield for blended families. With major changes to the Succession Law Reform Act (SLRA) coming into full effect in 2025 and 2026, the way the law treats separated spouses and stepchildren has fundamentally shifted.
If you have children from a…

