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A private conversation, to begin.
Tell us a little about your situation, and we will be in touch to arrange a time. What you share is kept confidential.
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Before we speak
A few questions to consider.
If it helps to organize your thoughts, work through these first. Nothing is stored or sent.
Consider each question. Where the answer is no, the related reading is a good place to start.
Question 1 of 8
01Do you have a current will that reflects your family today?
Why it mattersA will written before a marriage, a separation, children or a business can direct assets in ways you no longer intend.
Question 2 of 8
02Do you have powers of attorney for property and for personal care?
Why it mattersIf you cannot make decisions, someone needs legal authority to act for you, including for your business.
Question 3 of 8
03Are your children named correctly as beneficiaries on your insurance and registered accounts?
Why it mattersNaming a minor child directly can mean the money is held under court supervision until they reach the age of majority. A trustee may be more appropriate.
Question 4 of 8
04Is there a written succession plan for your business?
Why it mattersWithout one, the family may have to decide who runs or buys the business under pressure, and without the funds to do it.
Question 5 of 8
05Do you know how your shares are taxed at death?
Why it mattersPrivate company shares can be taxed on the final return, and the same value can be taxed again when funds leave the corporation.
Question 6 of 8
06Is there a plan to equalize inheritances between your children?
Why it mattersWhen one child inherits the business or the cottage, the others may need something of comparable value.
Question 7 of 8
07Would your estate have the cash to pay its tax without selling assets?
Why it mattersEstates are sometimes forced to sell a business, property or investments at a poor time to pay what is owed.
Question 8 of 8
08If you could not work for a year, would your family’s income and home be protected?
Why it mattersIllness or injury during working years can strain a family as much as a death, and for longer.
Your reading list
Topics to read next
Based on your answers, these topics may be worth a closer look. This is a reading list, not a recommendation.
- Wills, powers of attorney and probate
- Beneficiaries, minor children and insurance trusts
- Business succession and buy-sell funding
- What happens to your corporation at death
- Corporate strategies and the Capital Dividend Account
- Equalizing inheritances between children
- Estate liquidity
- Protecting income and the home
- Life insurance for parents
You have covered the fundamentals
Plans still need regular review as families, businesses and tax rules change. A conversation can confirm that each piece still fits together.
Discuss your answers in a private consultation.
Book a private consultation (opens in a new tab)Your answers stay in this browser window. Nothing is stored or sent.