A comprehensive estate plan, with your Will
as a key component, is one of the most important things you can do
for the family members, friends and charitable organizations that
you want to benefit from your estate. It can help enhance
your wealth, minimize taxes, give your beneficiaries the greatest
benefits, and ensure that your wishes are carried out as
you intended. Our Estate and Trust Specialists work closely with your lawyer
or accountant to help prepare appropriate and effective
strategies for your personal assets and private business
interests. We also plan and administer trusts, establish Powers of
Attorney, and can serve as Executor or Co-Executor (through The
Canada Trust Company) of your Will performing the services that are
required to settle your estate. Learn more about – What would happen if you died without a Will?In Canada, your estate would be
distributed according to the laws of the province
you lived in. The legislation applies a set formula to divide the
estate among your spouse, children and relatives, and the results
could be very different from what you really want. Even if you do have a Will, does it accurately reflect your
existing assets, take advantage of current tax planning
opportunities and address the needs of your beneficiaries? Have you
incorporated changes due to an event such as the birth of a child,
separation or divorce, or the death of another family member? If you have any concerns about
ensuring that your wishes will be carried out, TD Waterhouse
Estate and Trust Specialists can help. Our approachOur advice and planning services can enable
you to –
- Plan for the smooth and amicable
administration of your affairs
- Protect the financial interests of future
generations
- Minimize taxes, administrative expenses
and delays
- Ensure that the long-term management of
your estate will help achieve your estate planning goals
We begin with a complete discussion of your estate
goals. Then, our experienced team of Estate and Trust
Specialists works with you to help develop a comprehensive
plan that reflects your personal situation and goals,
using our in-depth knowledge of the issues you face with
taxation, investments, real estate and
private businesses to give you control of your financial
affairs. When it comes time, our Estate and Trust Specialists are
highly skilled in estate management and
administration. They help ensure that your wishes are
carried out and assist your beneficiaries with
understanding and empathy. Generations have come to us for this combination of trusted
advice and professional service. Your estate planning considerationsHere are some of the key issues a TD
Waterhouse Estate and Trust Specialist can help you review and deal
with –
- Does your Will and estate plan effectively
provide for an orderly disposition of your estate
plan to all your intended beneficiaries?
- Can gifts be made during your lifetime to
minimize probate fees?
- Have you confirmed your intentions
regarding jointly owned property, such as real estate, bank
accounts and investments, so that clear ownership
rights are established?
- Will establishing a
trust for your spouse, children or a charity help you realize
tax advantages and preserve assets such as a business,
cottage or family home?
- Are your life insurance benefits payable
directly to your beneficiaries or to your estate to pay off
liabilities or to provide income?
- Do you have a plan to
reduce or defer taxes that become payable at your death?
- Have you appointed a
Power of Attorney?
- Have you addressed assets that are located
in a different province or country?
Preparing your WillSimply put, your Will is the articulation
of your estate plan and the only legally recognized
document that allows you to decide how your estate is to
be distributed. It directs the transfer of your estate's assets to
your beneficiaries or to
trusts for their benefit, and names and empowers an
Executor or Trustee to deal with your estate assets. We will work closely with you to prepare an estate plan that
details everything to be covered in your Will. We also advise you
to keep your Will up-to-date, reflecting your most current assets
and wishes, and changes in provincial legislation. Contact us todayIf you're looking for an
experienced professional to help you formulate your estate
plan, simply
contact the TD Waterhouse Private Trust
office nearest you to arrange a meeting with one of our
Specialists or call 1-866-280-2022.
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