Estate Planning

Did you know that in Ontario, probate fees (officially called Estate Administration Tax) can cost up to 1.5% of your estate’s value? For a $2,000,000 estate, that’s 30,000—gone. And that’s just the start. Without proper planning, taxes, legal complexities, and delays can erode the wealth you’ve worked so hard to build. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.

Estate planning is one of the most valuable aspects of what we do. After all, what’s the point of growing your wealth if it’s lost to taxes or tied up in probate? We help our clients in Ontario arrange their financial affairs to reduce probate fees, minimize taxes, and ensure their assets are transferred to their heirs as quickly and completely as possible. Most importantly, we make sure your wishes are honored—both now and in the future.

Here’s how we can help:

• Proper Beneficiary Designations: We ensure your registered accounts (RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, LIF, LIRA) have the correct beneficiaries, so your assets bypass probate and go directly to your loved ones.
• Wealth Transfer Strategies: From gifting during your lifetime to setting up joint accounts, we recommend strategies to transfer wealth efficiently and tax-effectively.
• Probate Reduction: Through tools like named beneficiaries, multiple wills (where applicable), and strategic asset titling, we help reduce or even eliminate probate fees.
• Corporate Structuring & Succession Planning: For business owners, we provide recommendations to ensure a smooth transition of ownership and minimize tax liabilities.
• Trusts: We advise on the use of trusts to protect assets, provide for dependents, and manage wealth across generations.

Our services are designed to complement the advice you receive from your lawyer and accountant. In fact, we often collaborate with our clients’ professional networks to achieve the best possible outcomes. Think of us as the bridge between your financial goals and the legal and tax strategies needed to make them a reality.

Estate planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing that your family will be taken care of, your business will thrive after you’re gone, and your legacy will be preserved exactly as you envision it.

So, how can we help you with your estate planning? Whether you’re just starting to think about your estate or need to update an existing plan, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s work together to protect what matters most.