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The Importance of Estate Planning in Separation & Divorce
Disclaimer: This article on estate planning after divorce is intended for the purpose of providing information only. It is to be used only for the purposes of guidance. This article is not intended to be relied upon as the giving of legal advice and does not purport to be exhaustive.
We have talked before about how you want to regularly consider updating your will, especially after a major life event. One that we want to dive into in more detail is during a separation and divorce.
People are usually mired in other legal matters relating to their divorce and estate planning becomes an after-thought, something to handle after the dust settles. In this article, we will talk about why you should look at your estate planning sooner rather than later and what you should consider.
If you are currently separated or divorcing your spouse, we encourage you to book a complimentary consultation with our team to discuss your estate planning needs.
Changes to the Succession Law Reform Act
As of January 1, 2022, the law surrounding divorced and separated spouses was changed. A “separated spouse” means you have been separated for over three months.
For example, suppose you pass away and haven’t updated your will. Your ex is still listed as an estate trustee or beneficiary. Now, they are treated as if they had died before you and those particular sections of the will are revoked.
If you do not have a will (or die intestate), the Act now provides that a separated spouse will not benefit from the estate. Prior to this change, any legally married spouse, whether separated or non-separated, would benefit from the preferential share (the first $350,000) plus either the balance of the estate or an equal share if there are children. The Act no longer extends this entitlement to separated spouses, and they will not be entitled to this preferential share or any other portion of the estate.
When to see an estate lawyer
The law now provides protection for your estate after you have been separated for three months. However, the reality is that something could happen within those first three months. We advise seeing an estate lawyer as soon as you know that reconciliation is no longer an option.
In some separation agreements, there may be provisions that limit your ability to do certain things. You may be limited in making changes to the title to properties you own or change your powers of attorney. Therefore, it would be wise to update or create your estate documents before attending mediation or finalizing a separation agreement.
Property owned with your spouse
There are two ways to own property with someone else: as joint tenants and as tenants in common. Most times, when spouses own property, they own it as joint tenants. If one joint tenant were to pass away, the surviving spouse would take complete ownership of the property.
You may not want to have that kind of ownership with your estranged spouse, so what are your options? The good news is that you can sever your joint tenancy unilaterally (meaning you do not need their permission). This will move the ownership to what we call tenants in common.
The difference is that if you were to pass away before your property is dissolved, your estranged spouse does not take sole ownership of the property. That property becomes part of your estate and will be bequeathed to your beneficiaries.
Working with other agreements
In family law, there are agreements that must be considered, such as separation agreements or domestic agreements. You must make sure that your will and powers of attorney do not contradict those other agreements. If they do not align, you are opening your estate up to litigation. The courts will have to decide which document takes precedence.
Remember, if you have to get the courts involved, your estate will be spending up to tens of thousands of dollars. However, this situation is easily avoided by having documents drafted by an experienced attorney.
Reviewing your existing estate planning documents
You may have a will and powers of attorney already but are unsure how they hold up now that your family’s circumstances have changed. If that is the case, it is worthwhile to have your documents reviewed by an experienced estate lawyer, like the team at Beeksma Law. We will be able to tell you if your current documents still stand or if it is time to have them updated.
Estate planning after a divorce
As your family continues to change, you will need to consider how this affects your estate planning. We discussed this earlier, but you will want to consider how to protect the interests of all family members.
For example, say you remarry or enter into a common law relationship with a new partner. You will want to consider your children from your previous relationships and make specific arrangements in your will to ensure their financial security. On the other hand, you’ll want to provide for your spouse using vehicles like RRSPs and life insurance.
Expert guidance from the estate law experts at Beeksma Law
Our team of estate law experts at Beeksma Law recognizes that wills and powers of attorney are not static documents. They must be adapted to reflect the evolving circumstances of your family. We understand the importance of staying informed about changes in your life that may impact your estate plan.
Whether you are entering a new marriage, forming a blended family, or experiencing other significant life changes, our experienced professionals can provide the guidance you need. We will work closely with you to understand your unique situation. Our team can help you create an estate plan that protects the interests of all family members.
Contact us today to discuss your estate planning needs. We are here to support you and ensure that your estate plan remains relevant and effective as your family evolves.
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Disclaimer: This article on estate planning for blended families is intended for the purposes of providing information only and is to be used only for the purposes of guidance. This article is not intended to be relied upon as the giving of legal advice and does not purport to be exhaustive.
More than one in four Canadians in a relationship are in their second or subsequent marriage or common law relationship. That means that many of us have experienced a family in more than one context, with more than one partner and, sometimes, with children from each union.
The nuclear family – two married parents, their own children, and sometimes the grandparents – is no longer the only family structure. Increasingly complex family structures mean making increasingly complex decisions, and nowhere is that more true than in estate planning.
If this situation describes you, it is vital that you do not leave your estate planning to chance. A comprehensive estate plan, including a well-written will and powers of attorney, protects your entire family and your own wishes. We strongly encourage you to contact us today about your estate planning needs. Our experienced professionals can create a plan that is tailored for you and that takes into account all of your family members.
In this article, we will talk about how your estate plan will affect various family members, what you ought to take into consideration and how you can give your family the greatest gift of all – peace of mind.
Estate Law Updates
As we previously noted, on January 1, 2022, updates to the Succession Law Reform Act came into effect. A new marriage no longer revokes a previous will. This means that if you remarry and do not create a new will, your new spouse will not automatically inherit your estate.
Children from a previous relationship
You must make specific arrangements to ensure that the children receive what you wish them to have. While you may assume that your spouse will care for your children after you pass, there is simply no guarantee of this.
If you have children from a prior relationship, the executor of your will or estate plan must take into account their situation and appropriately provide for them. You could also possibly create trusts to ensure that they are cared for financially.
Your spouse
You also want to ensure that your spouse is taken care of properly in the event of your death. This can include leaving them a lump sum, setting up trusts, or other financial arrangements. Your will should also consider any special needs your spouse may have and ensure they are provided for.
You may also want to use vehicles such as RRSPs, life insurance, and other investments to provide for them in the event of your death.
When it comes to your home, you may want to add your spouse to the title now. Otherwise, they find themselves in a vulnerable position upon your death. As tenants in common or joint tenants, they will be protected should the home need to be sold.
However, it is not as simple as registering your spouse’s name on title. There are tax considerations to consider. Therefore, you need to make clear what your intentions are with respect to adding your spouse on title. It may mean creating a resulting trust , or setting up a spousal trust to ensure that the house passes in accordance with your wishes.
Finally, your will should detail any special gifts you want to leave to your spouse.
Specific Items
When you create a will, you may want to consider leaving specific items to particular family members. Your will should detail all gifts, from jewellery to artwork or furniture. This ensures that the wishes you expressed during your life are respected after your death.
Estate Planning: Factors to Consider
When your family situation is complex, it is important that you consider all factors when creating your estate plan. How can you mitigate potential disputes between family members? What financial arrangements can you make to ensure that all of your loved ones are provided for? How does the law impact you and your family’s situation?
First, take an honest look at your situation. Do your children get along with your new spouse? Do you get along with your spouse’s children? If you have children together, along with children from a previous relationship, consider how they are related to each other. Consider also how you would like them to be treated in the event of your death.
Second, consider what assets you have and who will be responsible for them upon your death. This could include your home, investments, life insurance policies and personal items with sentimental value. Consider setting up trusts or leaving money specifically to certain family members to ensure it passes in accordance with your wishes.
Third, give careful thought to who will act as your estate trustee. If there are tensions between family members, you may want to consider an independent and unbiased executor.
Fourth, be open and honest with your family about your wishes. Discussing your will or estate plan in advance can help to avoid confusion and disputes after you pass.
Finally, keep your estate plan updated as circumstances change. Make sure your estate plan reflects any significant life changes, such as a new grandchild or changes in marital status.
Estate Planning With You in Mind
Finally, seek professional advice from a lawyer and financial planner to help you navigate these various factors. You want to ensure that your estate plan reflects your wishes as well as minimizes any tax implications for you or your beneficiaries.
At Beeksma Law, we understand that each family’s situation is unique. We strive to provide you with the advice and assistance that meets your needs. With careful planning, proper preparation and expert advice, you can ensure that all of your loved ones are provided for and that your wishes are respected after you pass.