Event Highlights: Estate Planning Luncheon

On September 25, we hosted an Estate Planning Luncheon at the St. Albert 50+ Club, with nearly 100 clients and guests in attendance. The event featured guest speakers Christine Maloney and Chenel Kimber from Weary & Company, along with Sharene A. Gaitor, Private Trust Manager at TD Wealth Private Trust, who shared practical insights into planning for the future and protecting your legacy.

We’re grateful to our speakers and all who attended. Estate planning can be complex, but with the right guidance and open communication, it can bring confidence and protection for future generations.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

Core Estate Planning Documents

• Last Will and Testament – Appoints an executor and directs how your assets are distributed. Without one, provincial law governs your estate.
• Power of Attorney (POA) – Grants authority to someone you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf. Without it, family members may need to obtain a court order.
• Personal Directive – Provides instructions for personal or health care matters if you’re unable to make decisions yourself. Without one, loved ones may require a guardianship order.
   

Preparing and Reviewing Your Estate Plan

• Discuss your wishes and put them into legal documents with the help of a lawyer.
• Review your plan every 3–5 years, or after major life events.
• Update as laws and personal circumstances change.
   

Probate in Alberta

• Confirms the validity of a will and the executor’s authority.
• Required by third parties in many cases.
• Alberta now uses a digital court system to streamline the process.
   

Family Communication and Wealth Transfer

• Sharene shared that studies show 70% of wealth transfers fail due to poor family communication and trust issues.
• Open, proactive conversations with partners, children, and elderly parents can help avoid conflict.
• Helpful tips included setting short, focused meetings, aligning on family values, and involving neutral advisors when needed.
   

The Value of a Strong Estate Plan

• Provides control over how and when assets are distributed.
• Minimizes taxes and administration.
• Supports business succession planning.
• Prepares heirs and ensures family values are passed on.
   

Please visit my website for more details or contact us to review your estate plan today.