Inheritance Doesn’t Have to Wait
The Baby Boomers are making history as the largest retirement migration ever seen. However, it’s their parents who hold the most massive accumulation of wealth which is now being transfered to future generations. Estimated to be well in excess of a trillion dollars, the traditional rules of inheritance are changing. More than half of Baby […]
Wealth Transfer Tips
Wealth transfer can be a complex process for most families but especially wealthy ones. The range of issues involved can include family values, objectives and relationships; business continuity; investment strategy and insurance, taxes and ownership structures, amongst others. At the same time questions of control, responsibility and timing are raised. Not surprisingly, most people, including […]
Choose Wisely
Almost everyone agrees that it’s a good idea to have a will. However, it is estimated that about half of Canadians do not have one, and it is likely that many wills are out of date, perhaps even invalid. Not having a will can make the sorting out of your estate unnecessarily expensive, complicated and […]
The Family Meeting
Phillip and Betty want their estate settled as smoothly and cost effectively as possible when the time comes. They have taken a number of steps to make sure this happens. Phillip and Betty review their wills on a regular basis and make changes as necessary. They have discussed their wishes with each other regarding funeral […]
Buying and Selling the Business when an Owner Dies
Like many business owners, Rick and Warren thought it would be a simple process to continue the business when one of them died. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rick and Warren had a printing company and were equal partners. Warren died suddenly. Warren’s shares passed to his widow, Sarah, who became Rick’s new […]
Should You Prepare Your Own Will?
Earl wants to control the distribution of his estate when he dies and feels that a Will is a good idea. He had heard the ads on radio and TV about do-it-yourself Wills and bought a National Legal Will Kit. The booklet he received a few weeks later contained lots of useful information. There was […]
Everyone Needs an Estate Plan
Ralph became concerned about what would happen to his hard-earned estate after seeing what had happened to some people he knew. Vivian had remarried and chose to cut costs by using a do-it-yourself will kit. Because she had not allowed for the obligations set out in her deceased husband’s will, it took years and cost […]
Johnny Depp and Year-End Tax Planning
With the year-end fast approaching, the story about Johnny Depp (and other celebrities with Estate planning woes), act as a cautionary tale for the average Canadian. Actor Johnny Depp, best-known for his roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, made a reported $650 million USD and finds himself broke according to news reports last […]
How Important is it to Have a Will?
Most Canadians want to pass their life savings on to their heirs. The assets remaining once retirement needs are met will be distributed more effectively if there is a properly prepared will detailing the deceased’s wishes. Many people mistakenly believe that this issue is far in the future. Preparation of a valid will and its […]
Holidays: The Best Time to Talk About Estate Planning
The holidays are a time for family to gather together and share in the warmth of the season. If family members live at a distance, the holidays also provide one of the only opportunities of the year when adult children can sit down with their parents and siblings to discuss practical matters. As we speak […]