Topic: Wealth management Powers of attorney, wills and more: be prepared for emergencies
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Estate settlement
We're here to help if you're the person designated to settle the estate of a loved one.
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
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- Topic: Wealth management Estate planning: 3 tax strategies to implement today
