Legacy & estate strategies
Estate planning in Ontario, with purpose
Prepare for the transfer of wealth and values with your will, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations and a clear plan your family can follow.
Overview
Legacy is more than money
A thoughtful estate strategy is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. It brings clarity in a difficult season, reduces the chance of conflict, and makes sure that what you’ve stewarded goes where you intend.
We’ll start with the essentials at the base of the stewardship pyramid: a current will, a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property, a Power of Attorney for Personal Care, and clear wishes about medical care. Then we’ll look at beneficiary designations, insurance, probate considerations and how your estate may be taxed.
Legacy is also about values: the wisdom, faith and generosity you hope to pass on. I’ll help you think about both, and work alongside your lawyer, who prepares your legal documents.
What we look at together
Preparing your family well
Wills
Making sure your will is current and reflects your wishes.
Powers of attorney
Choosing who will act for you if you cannot, for property and personal care.
Medical directives
Recording your wishes for health care decisions.
Beneficiary designations
Keeping RRSP, TFSA and insurance beneficiaries up to date.
Estate taxes and probate
Understanding Ontario’s Estate Administration Tax and final tax returns.
Values and wealth transfer
Passing on wisdom and generosity, not just assets.
Where this fits
Levels 1 & 4 · Foundation and legacy
Estate documents appear twice in the pyramid. Your will and powers of attorney belong in the foundation, protecting your family today. Estate strategy and wealth transfer sit at the top, shaping the legacy you leave.
Who this is for
Helpful if you…
- Don’t yet have a will, or haven’t updated it in years
- Have young children or a blended family
- Own a business or a cottage
- Want to leave a charitable legacy
- Want to prepare your children to receive an inheritance well
Further reading
Questions people often ask
What happens if I die without a will in Ontario?
Your estate is distributed according to Ontario’s intestacy rules, which may not reflect your wishes, and a court may need to appoint someone to administer your estate. A will gives you control and clarity.
What is Ontario’s Estate Administration Tax?
It’s a tax on the value of an estate that goes through probate in Ontario. Currently, there is no tax on the first $50,000, and the rate is $15 for every $1,000 (1.5%) above that. Some assets, such as those with named beneficiaries, may pass outside the estate.
What powers of attorney do I need?
In Ontario, most adults benefit from two: a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property, for financial matters, and a Power of Attorney for Personal Care, for health and personal decisions.
Do you prepare wills?
No. Wills and powers of attorney should be prepared by a lawyer. I help you prepare for those conversations and coordinate the financial side.
Steward Well Advisory does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult a lawyer for your will and powers of attorney, and an accountant for tax matters.
Let’s talk
Let’s start with a conversation
An unhurried, no-obligation conversation about where you are, where you’d like to go, and whether we’re a good fit. No pressure, just clarity.
Call: 226-739-9511Email: [email protected]
