Estate Planning: Preparing for a Wealth Transfer

With over one trillion dollars of inheritances expected to be passed along over the next decade, taking action to preserve wealth across generations has never been more important^.1 Does your estate plan protect this wealth transfer? Here are some considerations:

Preventing Your Estate from Being Contested

It isn’t uncommon for disputes to arise during the estate settlement process, especially for families with complex dynamics. In some cases, these disputes can escalate to litigation. While court battles are not only time consuming and stressful, they can also end up being very costly, which can significantly erode family wealth. Perhaps worst of all, they can tear families apart. The reasons are many, including outdated documentation, poorly drafted documents, poorly chosen executor(s) and lack of communication about estate plans with beneficiaries.

There may be ways to minimize this risk. Communicating with heirs about your intentions while you are alive can help to prevent surprises. Importantly, estate documents should be drafted using a reputable professional and should include specific instructions to eliminate doubt. Documents should be reviewed and updated as circumstances require. Care should also be taken when choosing an executor(s), as poor actions by executors can lead to litigation.

Helping Beneficiaries Manage a Wealth Transfer

In some cases, beneficiaries may need support to manage wealth. Young beneficiaries or those with disabilities may not be financially responsible; spouses may need help managing assets such as investments or a business. Beneficiaries may also need to be protected against potential current or future creditors, such as business partners, customers or former spouses.

One of the more common tools used to support beneficiaries is a testamentary trust to hold and manage assets for their benefit. This can help to limit access and manage assets by specifying the timing and amount of distributions to be made.

Accounting for Divorce or Blended Family Dynamics

The transfer of family wealth may need to be protected to account for a complex family structure. In some cases, the way in which assets are currently structured may not be meeting your objectives. For instance, having assets jointly held in a current relationship may unintentionally put children from a previous marriage at risk. An unintended division of assets may also occur if a current spouse becomes a primary beneficiary, when assets were intended for children from a previous marriage. In some provinces, a new marriage can potentially revoke an existing will and the instructions leaving assets to children from a previous marriage would be invalidated. As such, the advice of a lawyer who understands complex family structures can ensure that assets are passed along as intended.

If you have the desire to leave a lasting legacy, planning ahead can help protect family wealth. Please contact your advisor to help navigate the estate planning process.

1.    financialpost.com/personal-finance/retirement/canadian-inheritances-could-hit-1-trillion-over-the-next-decade-and-both-bequeathers-and-beneficiaries-need-to-be-ready