Andrew Galbraith
Sundas Shah
Darren Knott
Tel: 905-685-6277
Address
80 King Street West
Suite 600
St. Catharines, ON
L2R 7G1
Map
Trust & Estate Considerations
Do your loved ones rely on you financially? Do you have any assets that may attract U.S. estate taxes? Are your intentions for your estate clear? We work with you and your legal advisors to ensure that your estate plan is clear and accomplishes what is important to you in a tax-efficient manner. Protecting your family through trusts With professional guidance & advice, a trust can: Testamentary trust Is created upon your death under the provisions of your will. Inter-vivos trust Exists during your lifetime for family or spousal benefit. Henson trust Created for the benefit and financial security of a disabled family member who is financially dependent or unable to manage their own money. |
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Without a will, provincial laws dictate who receives your assets. A will gives you the comfort of knowing that your wishes will be respected after your death. A properly drafted will should minimize income taxes, appoint an executor, and provide instructions regarding all your assets, including your business and personal effects. Power of attorney A continuing power of attorney for property (POA) provides for the management of your property should you become physically or mentally incapable during your lifetime. When planning for incapacity, knowing there is a trusted decision maker, authorized to manage your financial and/or health affairs on your behalf is vital. Joint ownership of property is not an adequate estate plan There are definitely benefits to joint ownership such as ease of transfer between spouses upon death. However, conflicts can arise if disgruntled heirs or creditors try to claim that the property should form part of the estate to be distributed by the terms of the will. Again, professional advice is recommended. Talk to us as well as your tax and legal advisors about the benefits and risks. Let's talk about estate planning. Contact us today. |
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