Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of planning what will happen to your assets at the time of your death. Estate planning is not always an easy topic to deal with, but having a thought-out plan in place is important for not only you but your beneficiaries.

Every adult should have an up-to-date estate plan that outlines:

  • Who is responsible for distributing your assets?
  • Who gets what and when will they get it?
  • Who will take care of your children?
  • Who will manage any trust accounts?
  • Who will make financial and medical decisions if you are incapacitated?

Why is it important? Controlling your legacy

Having a plan in place for your estate is an integral part of any good financial plan. The best way to ensure your wishes are carried out after your death is having a legal up-to-date will. Without careful planning, your estate could be tied up in the courts for months or even years and the government could end up collecting more taxes than is necessary.

When dealing with something as important as your estate, you don’t want to leave anything open to interpretation especially around how your estate will be divided up between family members.

To take control of your estate, we suggest the following five steps:

  1. Determine your estate planning goals.
  2. Consider which estate planning tools fit your situation best.
  3. Choose the people you would like to speak for you.
  4. Start raising estate-planning issues with your family.
  5. Keep your estate plan up to date.

We can help

Call your to advisor to discuss your estate planning options.

Investor Resources


The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, nor considered to be, the rendering of tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. Readers should consult with their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on the specific circumstances before taking any action.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

The content of this web page (including facts, views, opinions, recommendations, descriptions of or references to, products or securities) is not to be used or construed as investment advice, as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, or an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any entity or security cited. Although we endeavour to ensure its accuracy and completeness, we assume no responsibility for any reliance upon it.

This should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice.  This material has been prepared for information purposes only. The tax information provided in this document is general in nature and each client should consult with their own tax advisor, accountant and lawyer before pursuing any strategy described herein as each client’s individual circumstances are unique.  We have endeavored to ensure the accuracy of the information provided at the time that it was written, however, should the information in this document be incorrect or incomplete or should the law or its interpretation change after the date of this document, the advice provided may be incorrect or inappropriate.  There should be no expectation that the information will be updated, supplemented or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events or otherwise.  We are not responsible for errors contained in this document or to anyone who relies on the information contained in this document.  Please consult your own legal and tax advisor.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of planning what will happen to your assets at the time of your death. Estate planning is not always an easy topic to deal with, but having a thought-out plan in place is important for not only you but your beneficiaries.

Every adult should have an up-to-date estate plan that outlines:

  • Who is responsible for distributing your assets?
  • Who gets what and when will they get it?
  • Who will take care of your children?
  • Who will manage any trust accounts?
  • Who will make financial and medical decisions if you are incapacitated?

Why is it important? Controlling your legacy

Having a plan in place for your estate is an integral part of any good financial plan. The best way to ensure your wishes are carried out after your death is having a legal up-to-date will. Without careful planning, your estate could be tied up in the courts for months or even years and the government could end up collecting more taxes than is necessary.

When dealing with something as important as your estate, you don’t want to leave anything open to interpretation especially around how your estate will be divided up between family members.

To take control of your estate, we suggest the following five steps:

  1. Determine your estate planning goals.
  2. Consider which estate planning tools fit your situation best.
  3. Choose the people you would like to speak for you.
  4. Start raising estate-planning issues with your family.
  5. Keep your estate plan up to date.

We can help

Call your to advisor to discuss your estate planning options.

Related Links

Investor Resources

Advisor Resources

The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, nor considered to be, the rendering of tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. Readers should consult with their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on the specific circumstances before taking any action.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

The content of this web page (including facts, views, opinions, recommendations, descriptions of or references to, products or securities) is not to be used or construed as investment advice, as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, or an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any entity or security cited. Although we endeavour to ensure its accuracy and completeness, we assume no responsibility for any reliance upon it.

This should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice.  This material has been prepared for information purposes only. The tax information provided in this document is general in nature and each client should consult with their own tax advisor, accountant and lawyer before pursuing any strategy described herein as each client’s individual circumstances are unique.  We have endeavored to ensure the accuracy of the information provided at the time that it was written, however, should the information in this document be incorrect or incomplete or should the law or its interpretation change after the date of this document, the advice provided may be incorrect or inappropriate.  There should be no expectation that the information will be updated, supplemented or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events or otherwise.  We are not responsible for errors contained in this document or to anyone who relies on the information contained in this document.  Please consult your own legal and tax advisor.