People often assume they can bequeath their assets to whichever person or organization they choose—but that isn’t always the case. In some circumstances, the courts may interfere with a person’s autonomy when leaving their wealth to an individual or charitable cause. Factors that may support a variance in estate distribution Support obligations In provinces and […]
November is “Make a Will” month in Canada, so it’s an appropriate time to discuss not only the importance of having a valid will in place, but how critical it is to have a will prepared by a legal professional with the necessary expertise in estate planning. Adverse consequences of not having a will If […]
Choosing an executor (liquidator in Quebec) to appoint in your will is an important estate planning decision. Many people instinctively appoint their spouse, siblings or adult children. This may seem logical, but appointing a family member is not always the best option. While some view being named as executor as an honor or a sign […]
Family situations often come with a mix of personal and financial considerations. When complex decisions arise, having guidance from wealth planning professionals can help ease the process and ensure your financial goals remain on track. Below are some real-life examples of how clients and their advisors have worked together to address common family-related financial questions […]
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a flexible charitable vehicle you can use to flow donations through to your favourite charities today and as part of your estate planning. Like a private foundation, a DAF enables the donor to make multiple donations over time and support a variety of causes. However, the administrative burden and costs […]
Many people avoid conversations about funerals, particularly their own. Some are indifferent to what happens to their body. Others dismiss the topic to deflect their discomfort, saying, “I’ll be gone anyway, so why worry about it?” Meanwhile, those who are superstitious may feel that discussing their own death is taboo and will somehow hasten their […]
In a typical estate plan, each spouse leaves their assets to the other. When the second spouse passes away, assets are distributed to the children. However, an estate plan is not usually typical when you remarry and have children from a prior marriage. When you remarry, you’ll update your will and beneficiary designations—and you may […]
Events in your life or changes involving the person you designated may call for a review of your executor—also known as a liquidator, estate trustee or personal representative, depending on the province. When the issue involves your executor If your executor has moved to a different province or a considerable distance away, you may wish […]
Estate planning is a critical part of securing your financial future, and while most people focus on their physical and financial assets, digital assets are often overlooked. In today’s connected world, our digital footprint is more significant than ever—ranging from online bank accounts and investments to social media profiles and digital subscriptions. So, how can […]
When it comes to estate planning, the goal is simple: to make sure your hard-earned wealth benefits your loved ones in the way you intend. However, the process can seem a bit overwhelming, especially with taxes, legal fees, and family dynamics coming into play. Let’s break it down and look at some straightforward strategies to […]
