Estate Planning

Comprehensive Planning for Peace of Mind

Estate planning is about more than just distributing assets — it’s about protecting your loved ones, minimizing conflict, and ensuring your wishes are carried out exactly as you intend.

At Fletcher Barrow, we guide individuals and families through every step of the estate planning process, creating tailored strategies that offer security, peace of mind, and lasting protection.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management, preservation, and transfer of your assets during your lifetime and after your death. It allows you to: 

Good estate planning is an act of love and responsibility — providing clarity, stability, and security for those you care about most.

Key Components of An Estate Planning

Last Will and Testament

  • Directs how your property is distributed.
  • Appoints an Executor to manage your estate.
  • Names guardians for minor children.

Powers of Attorney

  • Power of Attorney for Property: Appoints someone to manage your financial affairs if you cannot.
  • Power of Attorney for Personal Care: Appoints someone to make medical and personal decisions for you if you are incapacitated.

Trusts

  • Allow you to manage how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
  • Useful for minor children, individuals with disabilities, or charitable giving.

Beneficiary Designations

  • Ensure that life insurance, RRSPs, TFSAs, and pensions pass directly to your chosen beneficiaries.

Advance Healthcare Directives (Living Wills)

  • Communicate your medical treatment preferences if you are unable to express them yourself.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Protects Your Family

Ensure your spouse, children, and dependents are cared for according to your wishes.

Prevents Family Disputes

Clear instructions reduce the risk of misunderstandings and conflict.

Minimizes Taxes and Legal Fees

Strategic planning can significantly reduce the tax burden on your estate.

Provides for Special Needs

Create trusts or special arrangements for family members who require long-term support.

Ensures Continuity for Businesses

Succession planning keeps your business operating smoothly if you retire or pass away.

Gives You Control

You decide who manages your estate, not the government.

When Should You Start Estate Planning?

Now!
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly. You should have an estate plan if you:

  • Own a home or business,
  • Have children or other dependents,
  • Have investments, savings, or insurance policies,
  • Want to make charitable gifts,
  • Wish to control how your healthcare and financial affairs are managed if you become incapacitated.

Life changes — like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one — are key times to create or update your estate plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my estate plan after it’s created?

Absolutely. You should review and update your estate plan regularly, especially after major life events.

What happens if I die without a will?

Your estate will be distributed according to your province’s intestacy laws — not necessarily according to your wishes. This often leads to confusion, disputes, and higher costs.

How complicated is the estate planning process?

With professional guidance, it’s straightforward. We walk you through every step to ensure your plan is clear, complete, and enforceable.

How do I minimize probate fees and taxes?

Techniques like gifting, beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and creating trusts can all help minimize probate fees and taxes. We’ll help you tailor a strategy that suits your goals.

Start Your Estate Plan Today

At Fletcher Barrow, we simplify the estate planning process — ensuring your wishes are respected, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is preserved.

Fletcher Barrow

Plan Today. Protect Tomorrow.

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