After Death Tax Planning

Advice for lawyers who handle the taxation of the estates of decedents.

If you own a house, RRSPs, or even just have some savings stashed away, then you have an estate. And if you don't plan for what happens to your money, your children, your house and other assets upon your death, then the government will make those decisions for you — and might end up with a bigger share than anyone else. In these turbulent financial times, planning for the future is more important than ever, especially when it involved the financial security of those you love. At a minimum, estate planning involves preparing a will, but really involves much more. This revised and update edition of the bestselling You Can't Take It With You: Covers all areas of estate planning: financial and tax planning, wills and powers of attorney, life insurance, guardianship of your children, trusts and living wills, funeral planning, and much more. Prepares you for dealing with your financial advisor or lawyer — and may even help you to save hundreds of dollars in professional fees and taxes. Features practical examples, tips, and question-and-answer boxes. Helps you understand all of the financial, legal, and human issues around estate planning so you can protect yourself, your family, and your business. Includes new information on current legislation, as well as on changes to provincial probate fees, tax-saving strategies, and planning ideas for singles, common-law, and same-sex partners.

Wills & Estate Planning For Canadians For Dummies walks you through the steps of planning your estate. This friendly guide will help you Reduce the tax you or your estate will pay Plan for your children's future Leave a charitable legacy Decipher the legal lingo in wills Prepare a living will to ensure you get the treatment you want Hire an estate planning team that will meet your needs Through practical advice from expert authors, this book helps you ensure that your affairs are in order, and your loved ones will be looked after.

Often members of the public think that their estate needs are met simply by creating a will and holding assets jointly. What they do not realize is the many other tools available to them in the financial and legal fields, and advice sought in one field does not guarantee information flowing on tools used in the other. Uniquely, this book arms the general public with the knowledge to make intelligent choices among the many tools in both fields.

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!