Trusts

QDOT: Estate planning for non-U.S. citizen spouse

In Canada as in the United States, the transfer of property from one spouse to the other at death is typically not subject to taxation. The tax rules differ between countries however.

By Francois Bernier |March 28, 2012

5 min read

Estate Planning

Do you know how to use in-trust accounts?

Points to think about when discussing ITFs with your clients

By Carol Bezaire |February 13, 2012

5 min read

Estate Planning

Avoiding probate court

Your clients may think trusts are just for the rich or for those with complex affairs. But this is not the case. So, here are some tips on how to use them.

By Douglas Gray |January 30, 2012

4 min read

Estate Planning

Should your client dodge probate?

Probate-related questions are among the most common questions heard during estate planning discussions. What is probate? Can it be avoided? Should it be avoided? As an advisor, it’s important to be able to answer those questions.

By Floyd Gradley |January 3, 2012

6 min read

Do’s and don’ts for advising trusts

Reader Alert: This is a follow-up story to ‘Puppet Trustees’ Get a Second Chance. Two lower court rulings in the Garron Family Trust et al. v. The Queen case established central management and control of trust assets, rather than the residence of trustees, as the key test for determining the residence of a trust. That […]

5 min read

“Puppet trustees” get another chance

The practice of sheltering income from Canada’s tax man by setting up what amount to nominal trustees in a tax haven like Barbados was dealt a severe blow in a recent court case. But the Supreme Court of Canada has decided to hear the case anew, a decision that may breathe new life into a […]

3 min read

Demystifying trusts

Trusts are among the most effective estate planning tools. They have been a staple of estate planning in the common law world for centuries because of their unique structure and flexibility. Trusts have remained relevant because they easily adapt to various social and cultural changes. Originally created to address land ownership issues, today trusts are well suited to address significant taxation of income, complex family structures and a desire to protect vulnerable family members.

5 min read

Retirement crisis overblown: Hamilton

Despite dire warnings in the press that Canada’s pension plans are set to implode, one of the country’s most respected actuaries says the problem isn’t really that bad. In fact, Canadians are in an enviable position compared to most other countries. “It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Canada has one of the best retirement systems […]

By Steven Lamb |January 12, 2010

5 min read

Trusts

QDOT: Estate planning for non-U.S. citizen spouse

Do you know how to use in-trust accounts?

Avoiding probate court

Should your client dodge probate?

Income splitting from beyond the grave

Inter vivos trusts help minimize tax

Do’s and don’ts for advising trusts

“Puppet trustees” get another chance

Demystifying trusts

Retirement crisis overblown: Hamilton