A Guide To International Estate Planning

This resource provides expert and current guidance on the basic principles of international estate planning, the complex taxation issues involved, jurisdictional options, and governmental controls and reporting requirements.

With the explosive growth in international investments, more and more lawyers and financial advisors realize the acute need to properly address critical issues of international estate planning for their clients. Whether you are counseling a foreign national or an American citizen, whether your practice is in the U.S. or abroad, whether you want to develop a general expertise in the area or are confronted by these issues on a more frequent basis, this compendium is a necessary and practical resource to help you identify and navigate many of the complex planning and regulatory compliance issues, both legal and tax, involved in international estate planning. In addition to providing a complete overview of the basic principles and procedures of international asset management from addressing the conflict of laws issues that are central in determining which country s laws will govern the disposition of a donor or decedent s wealth to the basic transfer tax rules for nonresident aliens, U.S. citizens, and resident aliens A Guide to International Estate Planning teaches proven strategies, techniques, and practical applications to use for meeting your clients international estate planning needs. Twenty-two detailed chapters are written by trust and estate lawyers with significant experience in international issues. Their advice goes beyond simply highlighting issues in estate planning, emphasizing key issues as compliance, treaty, choice of law, and estate administration problems. This updated edition now includes chapters on FATF and anti-money laundering and offshore compliance, as well as chapters from several foreign jurisdictions to provide comparative insights on different topics."

This authoritative and completely updated new edition takes you step-by-step through all the factors you must consider to achieve predictable, wealth-preserving results in international tax and estate planning. You'll find out how to minimise taxes, ensure the desired disposition of property, protect confidentiality, maintain the security of the estate, and even manage assets in the event of incapacity of the principal. Published in looseleaf format and updated bi-annually, International Tax & Estate Planning is filled with insightful strategies for preserving the estate. Find out how to protect against nightmarish complexities of renvoi, forced heirship in civil law jurisdictions, and the negative impact of common law. You will also get expert tax-advantaged strategies for leveraging assets, such as use of a transient posture to reduce future taxes and protective devices for corporations based in financially attractive, but potentially unstable, foreign states.

International Estate Planning Strategies provides an authoritative, insiders perspective on key strategies for aiding US and international clients in developing comprehensive estate plans. Featuring partners from some of the nations leading law firms, these experts guide the reader through the process of getting to know the client and gathering all the necessary information before drafting a plan. These top lawyers offer their advice for collaborating with a team of advisors, developing innovative strategies, and ensuring all of the clients assets are incorporated. From minimizing taxation to dealing with foreign trusts, these authors discuss the steps for creating and updating effective international estate plans. Additional topics include the importance of increased transparency and staying up-to-date on changes in the area of trusts and estates. The different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great legal minds of today, as these experienced lawyers offer up their thoughts around the keys to success within this ever-evolving field.

We all know we need a will, one that is current and reflects our wishes and changing life events. So why do two-thirds of Canadians still die without a will - without a plan for passing on their assets the way they want? Why do Canadians still risk losing everything to creditors or the government, or certain relatives being awarded assets by provincial government formulas, none of which were the deceased’s intention? Approximately one out of four Canadians die suddenly, so advance will and estate planning is critical. In this third edition of the bestselling The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning, Canada’s foremost author team of experts in estate planning provide you with insights and options, practical suggestions, and authoritative guidance. You can then discuss your customized and evolving needs and wishes with your professional advisors in an informed fashion, to ensure your assets are protected and your family and beneficiary needs are met with strategic tax and estate planning. This approach will save you time, money, tax, stress, and anxiety. Using practical checklists, real-life examples, and answers to frequently asked questions, Douglas Gray, LL.B, and John Budd, F.C.A., provide helpful guidance on many important topics, including guardianship, powers of attorney, trusts, probate, special options for small and family businesses, passing on the family cottage, charitable giving, tax planning, estate planning, insurance and much more. Also includes an extensive glossary and appendix, and invaluable resource information and websites. Completely updated to reflect the latest changes in relevant legislation and taxation, and with a new chapter on preserving and increasing your net worth, The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning explains how to: Obtain expert legal advice to prepare a will to protect your interests and assets Ensure that your assets will pass to the intended beneficiaries without hassle Use special legal and estate planning strategies to protect your business Avoid family feuds and spousal disputes Minimize or avoid income taxes and capital gains taxes through strategic tax and estate planning Use the latest tax laws to maximize the benefits of charitable giving Don’t let the government be your principal beneficiary – take the time to plan ahead!

An essential resource to help you plan your estate and protect your assets Praise for previous editions of The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning: “The authors have done a masterful job....This is a shelf reference every Canadian taxpayer and every Canadian family should have.” –THE GLOBE AND MAIL “An informative, practical guide....The authors...cover all the bases.” –THE NATIONAL POST Established as the go-to source of expert guidance, The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning will save you money, taxes, risk, stress, and maintain peace of mind and family harmony. Completely updated to reflect the latest tax changes and with new information on charitable giving, including the donation of certain kinds of life insurance policies, this new edition explains practical strategies to: • Avoid classic pitfalls, family feuds, and spousal disputes • Minimize or avoid income, probate, and capital gains taxes • Protect your digital assets • Astutely deal with vacation properties, U.S. assets, and privately-owned businesses