Clients often ask what documents they should have in place to ensure they have properly prepared for a health care emergency, illness, or passing. In short, if you own property, are getting older or if you have dependants, there are three documents you should prepare to help your loved ones manage your affairs. Last Will: Your Last Will describes how to distribute your estate after you die. Personal Directive: Your Health Care Directive (also called Living Will or Health Car
Without a will, a person is said to die intestate. This does not mean all their property is forfeited to the government. It means that provincial intestate rules in the province in which the deceased lived will dictate how assets will be distributed. In the absence of a will, the settlement of an estate can be delayed and unnecessary expenses incurred. If there are minor children, and no surviving spouse, the children will be placed in the care of a court-appointed guardian.
A great article in the Globe and Mail highlighting tax advantages associated with proper planning. Contact us to learn how we can assist you with preparing or updating your Will, Personal Directive & Power of Attorney. Don't Let the Tax Man be Your Benficiary #wills #estateplannig #personaldirective #LivingWill #PowerofAttorney #taxes #fiance