Canada/US Wills and Estate Planning
Will and estate planning are the most important area you can do for yourself and your family.
This is particularly true when assets or heirs span both sides of the border.
We can help you design your plan to reach your goals and desires.
It’s not the easiest thing to think about, but planning for your death or disability can make things more manageable for those you love
It’s important to have a say in these important matters and you won’t have a say unless you make your wishes known.Plan for Tomorrow . . . Today!
By planning for tomorrow, you can retain more of your assets, protect your estate and leave a lasting legacy for your family.
If you die without a Will or Estate plan (Intestate), your state or province has defaults laws that determine who gets what. Who will take care of your children? What will happen to your business, your property, or those valuable heirlooms passed down for generations? How can you reduce the court fees, attorney costs and estate taxes on your estate? We will help you address all of these areas as you design your estate plan.
Understanding estate planning is about control in a variety of circumstances like death and disability. The amount of control you want determines what estate planning documents you need.
Different Countries, Different Rules
Canada and the USA have a multitude of estate and tax laws that change regularly. If you have moved countries, you need a new Will/estate plan that is updated regularly to take this into account.
Some of the questions our team will ask when designing your estate plan include:
- Is your will valid in both countries?
- What would happen to your spouse and dependents if you died suddenly in the country you moved to? Would your spouse be able to get access to any funds to meet the family obligations?
- What taxes would you pay in the US and/or Canada in the event of your death?
- What would happen to your assets in Canada and your assets in the USA in the event of your death?
- Would your heirs in Canada receive any of your assets if you died in the US?
- Who would take guardianship of your children if you and your spouse died simultaneously?
- Who would file your taxes, pay your bills or care for your children in the event of your incapacity?
- In the event you end up in a coma, would you want the “plug pulled?”
- Where would you want your body buried or cremated? In Canada or the US?
- If you inherit assets from Canada or the US, are they taxed? What tax filing requirements are there when you receive an inheritance?
A comprehensive estate plan is essential to ensure that your loved ones, assets, and your best interests are protected.
With our years of experience in estate planning with those moving between Canada and the US, we can work with your attorney to help guide them through the complexities.Detailed Information
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your particular situation. Please contact us and we will be in touch soon to schedule your no obligation consultation.