When most people think about estate planning, they usually think about their Will. But a valid Will is just one part of an overall estate plan — especially if an estate is particularly large or complex. 

Have you ever wondered what would it be like to “speak” from the grave and tell your loved ones how you would like things handled after you die? 

In 2016 the Canada Revenue Agency significantly changed the taxation of trusts by introducing a new category known as a General Rate Estate, or GRE.

A lot of people think that creating an endowment fund is something only rich people can afford. 

Have you ever wished you could do more to support the meaningful work of your church or favourite charity?

Eric Bundgard has some sage advice for everyone: you know death is a reality we will all face, so be prepared for when it occurs.

Former Toronto cardinal, Aloysius Ambrozic, wasn’t a big collector of art. 

Fr. Don MacLean’s kidneys are failing and he needs dialysis on a regular basis in order to remain in good health. But with the help of The Shepherds’ Trust fund, he has found himself in the right place at the right time.

When climate scientists say humans have a mere 12 years to avoid extreme consequences — floods, famine, fires and refugees — from a two- to three-degree rise in the average global temperature, it may be foolish to wait for governments to solve the problem. 

Do you have capacity?

If vacations, weddings, babies and football games are important enough to require planning, why don’t we plan for sickness, frailty and dying?

When Amy Profenna recently met with a lawyer to update her Will, one of the questions she was asked was if she wanted to be cremated.

It happens often that a deceased person leaves a sum of money to support a broad cause without naming a specific charity.

If people think they will no longer be paying taxes upon death, they are sadly mistaken. As Benjamin Franklin wrote, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” 

Donations of real estate are a popular way to benefit a favourite charity.  Here are some of ways to donate real estate and the tax implications of this type of gift: