Wills And Estates For Canadians For Dummies

Estate planning resources to help you put your affairs in order. Leave what matters to those who matter with this smart, sensible guide. This book is your one-stop reference for all aspects of estate planning. From determining how taxes affect your estate to choosing a lawyer to help you write your will, it's all explained in easy-to-understand terms. Tackle difficult topics with this savvy, helpful guide and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that those you care about are looked after for the long term. All this on the bonus CD-ROM AOL Canada 6.0 Interactive financial planning software from Scotiabank Estate planning checklists, worksheets, and more Discover how to: Craft your ideal will Create an estate plan Make the most of a lawyer's services Increase the value of your estate Minimize estate taxes

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.

Leave what matters to those who matter Understand why you need a will and the essentials of estate planning Who has an estate? Who needs a will? You do! So dive into this friendly guide and discover just what estate planning is, and why everyone needs a will. Tackle difficult topics with this helpful book and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that those you care about are looked after for the long term. Discover how to: Recognize the benefits of having a will Ask your lawyer the right questions Assemble a reliable estate-planning team

Practical advice as you prepare to leave your legacy You’ve worked your entire life to give your loved ones the best life they can have. Don’t let death be the end of your caring and thoughtfulness. You can make sure your family is taken care of after your death and your wealth and assets go where you intend with the help of Wills & Estate Planning For Canadians For Dummies. This down-to-earth guide takes some of the stress and uncertainty out of this unpleasant topic by offering straightforward advice about preparing end-of-life documents and planning your estate. Discover the best way to transfer your assets to your heirs and the charitable organizations of your choice. Find out how to prepare a living will, donate organs, and give instructions for your burial. You also get expanded information about family law in Canada, details on why you need a power of attorney, and guidance on will preparation, funeral planning, green burials, tax implications, and more. Understand the laws surrounding estates, wills, trusts, and taxes in Canada Get details on buying life insurance, naming your heirs and beneficiaries, and designating an executor Find advice for discussing inheritance matters with a legal professional when you have a tricky situation Put your mind at ease with a solid plan for your assets and your end-of-life care Thanks to practical advice from an expert author, you can ensure that your affairs are in order and your loved ones will honor your final wishes. Wills & Estate Planning For Canadians For Dummies will help you leave behind a meaningful legacy for all who know and love you.

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!

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.

In a simple and entertaining style, Kevin Wark delivers an important message - anyone who has something of value needs an estate plan, and sooner rather than later! Today, the majority of baby boomers are entering their retirement years. They have not only accumulated significant assets during their lifetimes, but also stand to receive meaningful inheritances. Now is the time for them to consider strategies to protect and increase their wealth - for their peace of mind as well as their families. The Essential Canadian Guide to Estate Planning will help younger and older generations alike get their estate plans in order. Readers will learn about planning for retirement; wills, trusts and powers of attorney;probate planning;charitable gifting;family law and special needs dependents;the role of life insurance; and business transition strategies. Featuring numerous case studies, worksheets, index and a glossary of terms, The Essential Canadian Guide to Estate Planning is an indispensable and painless guide in the journey towards greater peace of mind.