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Planning your estate

Planning your estate today allows you to distribute your wealth as you wish and make life easier for your loved ones. Make an appointment to get personalized support.

1-833-685-9850 This link opens your phone app.

Why is it important to plan your estate?

Deciding how your assets will be distributed after you pass is not an easy process. However, it's the best decision to make to ensure that your wishes are respected and that your family harmony is preserved. In fact, more than half of Canadians have a will. 1

How to prepare your estate plan

Regardless of your financial situation, a will and protection mandate are essential and complementary documents. They guarantee that your choices will be respected in all circumstances and that your loved ones will be protected.

In Quebec, nearly 1 in 3 people over the age of 75 has a disability. 2 Therefore, it's worth it to prepare in advance and make sure your wishes are documented.

Writing a will

A will is a legal document that includes your final wishes and where you'd like your assets to go after your death. It allows you to:

  • Designate your heirs and divide your assets among them
  • Name the person who will be responsible for settling your estate
  • Develop a tax plan to pay as little tax as possible

It's best to make these decisions on your own. If you don't make a will, your estate is distributed among your heirs in accordance with the law. For example, if you have a common-law partner, they will not be part of your estate.

Learn more about estate planning without a will

Writing a protection mandate

A protection mandate is a legal document that lets you choose the people (mandataries) who can make decisions for you if you're no longer able to do so.

In case of incapacity, mandataries can:

  • Take care of your assets: manage your income and investments or pay your bills
  • Take care of you: consent to your health care or act on your behalf

Did you know?

A power of attorney lets you designate someone to act on your behalf when you're in full control of your mental abilities. It ceases to be valid if you pass away or are no longer able to decide for yourself.

Conversely, a protection mandate comes into effect when the court declares you incapacitated.

Learn more about powers of attorney

Making an inventory of your assets

Once you've decided to write your will, making an inventory of your assets (money, real estate, investments) is an important step that gives you a clear idea of your estate, facilitates its distribution and makes things easier for your loved ones.

Take an inventory of your assets (PDF, 2.74 MB)

Benefits of planning your estate with us

Reduce the tax impact of your estate

Create an estate balance sheet to determine your net worth.

Build your wealth

Use smart tax strategies to maximize the value of your estate.

Consolidate your assets

Simplify the estate settling process with an overview of your assets.

We help you evaluate tax solutions that best suit your situation, according to your wishes. Your financial planner will guide you every step of the way.

Let us help

Estate assistance

As a Desjardins member, you can receive free legal information and support in planning, liquidating and managing an estate.

Learn more about estate assistance.

Estate settlement

We're here to help if you're the person designated to settle the estate of a loved one.

Learn more about settling an estate.

Contact us

By phone

Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 AM to 5 PM

1-833-685-9850 This link opens your phone app.

Our tips on planning your estate

This information page is a general source of information and should not be considered as legal or financial advice. This page is based on the laws applicable in Quebec and Ontario at the time of publication and the information mentioned is subject to change. The Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec ("Desjardins") cannot guarantee its completeness or content. It is not a reliable source for other provinces or territories. The information on this page is subject to change without notice. Please note that Desjardins cannot be held responsible for the content of the above-mentioned external sites or for damages resulting from their use. Source : Canadians and their Money: Key Findings from the 2019 Canadian Financial Capability Survey External link – Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Source : Table 13-10-0374-01 Persons with and without disabilities aged 15 years and over, by age group and sex, Canada, provinces and territories External link – Statistics Canada