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Estate Planning

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Create a lasting legacy with meticulous estate planning. From wills and trusts to wealth transfer strategies, we help you protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored for generations to come.

What Does Estate Planning Include?

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Estate planning is about ensuring your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes while protecting your loved ones. Here are the key components:
  1. Will
    A document that outlines how your assets will be distributed and appoints guardians for minor children.

  2. Trusts
    Tools to manage and distribute assets efficiently, often helping to reduce taxes and avoid probate.

  3. Power of Attorney
    Gives someone the authority to handle your financial and legal matters if you’re unable to.

  4. Healthcare Directives
    Includes a living will and medical power of attorney to ensure your healthcare wishes are respected.

  5. Beneficiary Designations
    Keeps financial accounts and policies up-to-date to ensure they go to the right people.

  6. Tax and Probate Planning
    Strategies to reduce taxes and simplify the legal process for your heirs.

  7. Business and Charitable Planning
    For business owners or those who want to include philanthropy in their legacy.

  8. Regular Updates
    Life changes, like marriage or having children, mean your plan should be reviewed regularly.

1. No Estate Tax in Canada

  • Unlike countries like the U.S. or the U.K., Canada does not levy a separate tax on the value of the estate passed to heirs or beneficiaries.

  • Beneficiaries generally receive their inheritance tax-free.​

2. ​Probate Fee

  • Definition: A probate fee is a cost imposed by the court to validate a will and administer an estate.
  • Unavoidable unless you plan ahead with tools properly.
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At Sun Trust Financial, we take a deep dive and tailor plans to meet your needs with the above approaches.
"Estate planning is an important and everlasting gift you can give your family. And setting up a smooth inheritance isn't as hard as you might think."

--Suze Orman
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