What happens to your estate if you and your spouse both die in the same accident? Most couples have never been asked, and most wills don't say.

This week's episode and article look at what can happen when both spouses die close together, and why a few days between two deaths can change who inherits, how long the family waits, and how much work falls to the person settling things. I also address why this matters for blended families and couples without children, and why the rules depend on where you live in Canada.

If your will leaves everything to your spouse, the article will give you one question to take to your lawyer or notary.

Getting ready to write or update your will? The Will Blueprint™: https://agapimarketing.com/the-will-blueprint/

Read the full article: https://nexsteps.ca/estate-planning/both-spouses-die/

More at https://nexsteps.ca/

Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and is not legal, financial, medical, or tax advice.

Can you apply for probate without a lawyer? Depending on where the deceased person lived, and where you live, you might be able to. But filing the application is only one piece of an executor’s job.

In this week's article and episode, I talk about how far different parts of Canada have gone with online and email probate filing, including Alberta’s online service for people applying on their own, Ontario’s email filing and small estate process, and the way Quebec handles wills made before a notary. I also get into what a probate application actually asks the court for, what you’ll need to figure out before you apply, and what’s still ahead once the court says yes.

If you’ve been named executor, or you’re wondering whether you can handle probate yourself, this episode will help you see the whole job before you start.

Executor’s Compass™ Suite helps you work through every phase of estate administration, with jurisdiction-specific terminology and context throughout: https://agapimarketing.com/executors-compass-suite/

Read the full article: https://nexsteps.ca/executor-and-estate-administration/probate-online/

More at https://nexsteps.ca/

Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and is not legal, financial, medical, or tax advice.

When parents divide their estate equally between their children, it usually feels like the fairest decision they’ll make. But if one of those children receives provincial disability benefits, an equal share left to them directly can put their monthly benefit and their health coverage at risk.

In this week's episode, I talk about why that happens and how parents and grandparents can leave a child on disability benefits the same share as their siblings without putting that support at risk. If you’ve heard the term Henson trust and wondered whether it applies to your family, this is a good place to start.

I also talk about a decision many families make without a second thought, and why it may matter more than anything else in the plan.

Because every province and territory runs its own disability program with its own rules, I share the questions worth asking a lawyer wherever your child lives.

Read the full article: https://nexsteps.ca/estate-planning/henson-trust/

Disclaimer: This content is for general information only and is not legal, financial, medical, or tax advice.