ESTATE PLANNING: WHAT HAPPENS TO MY MONEY AND FAMILY?
“Estate planning is not just about a legal document and a plan to minimize taxes at death. It should be an expression of your values and priorities, particularly in light of family complexities today.” – Diane Tsonos, LL.B., TEP, Partner.
Effective estate planning for family businesses is not just a matter of drafting legal documents; it’s a strategic approach to safeguarding your wealth and ensuring the well-being of your family for generations to come. As a business owner, contemplating the inevitable can be daunting, but it’s crucial to address these concerns head-on. Family business estate planning involves careful consideration of your assets, potential tax implications, and the smooth transition of ownership. By prioritizing family estate planning early on, you can mitigate conflicts, minimize tax burdens, and maintain the integrity of your legacy. Our dedicated team understands the sensitive nature of these discussions and specializes in guiding families through the intricacies of estate planning with compassion and expertise. We offer personalized solutions tailored to your unique circumstances, empowering you to protect what matters most and secure a prosperous future for your loved ones.
We’ve all had these thoughts…
- If I were to die, what would happen to my money — and more importantly, to my family? I’ve worked hard to build my wealth and I want to protect it.
- I want to make sure my estate is well planned and that my family will be taken care of. Is there something I should do now to help ensure that my family doesn’t have to pay too much tax later?
- I want them to enjoy the wealth we’ve amassed, but ultimately, I want things to stay harmonious and unburdened when I’m gone. How can I ensure this?
The importance of family estate planning
Mortality is the most emotional of topics, but as a business owner, it’s also one of the most crucial ones to address. Should something happen to you, the only way to ensure your finances will be in order and your family will be cared for is to make a plan that reflects your wishes today.
Is your will up to date? Are there assets you’d like to transfer to family members before death? If you own a business, do you have a shareholders’ agreement in place? What about life insurance to cover tax obligations upon death?
It’s overwhelming, we know. That’s why we are here to help. We believe that every good plan starts with asking the right questions. With answers in hand, our Estate planning team guides you through the entire process with sensitivity and objectivity. Our comprehensive service includes preparation of all your financial documentation, bookkeeping for the estate, assistance with life insurance, and will planning. We also offer post-mortem estate planning and handle all compliance and corporate reports as necessary.
We are proud of the trusting relationships we’ve developed with the families with whom we work. Creating an estate plan that gives you peace of mind is both our expertise and our passion.
