Wills and estate planning

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Wills and estate planning

If you plan well, you can leave more
to the people you care about.

The five biggest dangers of not having a proper will

Simple ways to reduce estate costs

How does probate work?

Having a valid will and other legal papers to protect you and your family is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. If you plan well, you can leave more to the people you care about. Find out how.

How do wills work?

Chapter 1:
What is a will?
Chapter 2:
Can I write my own will or do I need a lawyer?
Chapter 3:
What should my will cover?
Chapter 4:
What does an executor do?
Chapter 5:
How do I choose an executor or estate trustee?

What other legal papers do I need to protect myself and my estate?

Chapter 1:
How can I prepare for times when I can't make my own decisions?
Chapter 2:
What is a Power of Attorney?
Chapter 3:
What is a Living Will?
Chapter 4:
How do I choose someone for a Power of Attorney?
Chapter 5:
What problems can arise from a Power of Attorney?
Chapter 6:
How can I protect myself from Power of Attorney fraud?

How do I get advice from a lawyer about wills?

Chapter 1:
Why do I need a lawyer to help me with my will?
Chapter 2:
How do I find a lawyer to help me with my will?
Chapter 3:
What should I ask someone who recommends a lawyer to me?
Chapter 4:
What will it cost to have a lawyer help me with my will?

How do I pass on as much money as possible after I die?

Chapter 1:
What costs will there be after my death?
Chapter 2:
How may taxes or fees reduce what I leave others after my death?
Chapter 3:
What simple things can I do to leave more to others after I die?
Chapter 4:
How can I reduce the costs of a more complex estate?
Chapter 5:
How do I pass on my interests in a business when I die?
Chapter 6:
When do I need to review and update my estate plan?

What do I need to do about savings & property after a family member dies?

Chapter 1:
What do I need to do right after a family member dies?
Chapter 2:
What do I need to do in the months after a family member dies?
Chapter 3:
Where can I get help settling things after a family member dies?
Chapter 4:
How can I learn more about what to do when a family member dies?

What taxes and other costs may be due when you die?

Chapter 1:
Death and taxes: how to keep the taxman from becoming your new best friend
Chapter 2:
What taxes and other costs may be due when you die?
Chapter 3:
What happens to your unsheltered savings and investments after your death?
Chapter 4:
What happens to your savings and investments in a registered plan after your death?
Chapter 5:
What happens to your life insurance policy when you die?

Visit the Insurance section for more information.

Related tools & topics

	Case study: The problem with not having a will: Leonard’s story
	Case study: Creating a well-planned estate: Ross and Reena’s story
	Calculator: What will your RRSP be worth at retirement
	Case study: Leaving behind a well-planned estate: Rodney and Rose’s story
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