A holistic approach to estate planning requires much more than legal documents and tax issues. Guide your clients through the process from family conversations to action plan. You can help ensure their wishes are secured in the future.
These resources are suitable for all clients, especially those with complex estates involving:
- Incapacity
- Insurance
- Asset protection
- Retirement income
- Charitable giving
- Probate fees
- Tax minimization
- Same-sex couples
- Small Business succession
Communicate Your Value
Consider timing:
- Every 5 years; when your clients turn 65; or their children turn 40
- Family change: birth, marriage, divorce, death, life-threatening illness
- Property/asset purchase or sale, etc.
Assist your clients in preparing an effective action plan that includes:
- A family meeting to share thoughts, wishes, goals
- Establishing/updating will and powers of attorney
- Insurance as a safety net
- Appointing an appropriate executor
Get in the Know
Disposition of personal effects are often not included in a will.
- Only one-third of estate planning conversations are detailed*
- In Canada, inheritance for Boomers over the next 20 years: approximately $1 trillion**
- 91% of Canadians over 65 have a will but – Only 53% of ALL Canadians have a will*
- “Digital assets” and “online legacies” are now a factor in estate planning
- New realities/trends include prevalence of eldercare; consideration of pets
* Source: BMO Wealth Institute Survey by Pollara, May 2013.
** Inheritance Planning: Silence Can Be Costly – Guide.
