Wills, Estates and Trusts Conference 2011: Estate Planning Update


Course Date: November 2, 2011

Welcome and Introduction

Elaine E. Reynolds — Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver

Legislative and Case law Update: Wills, Estates and Succession Act Highlights

Gordon B. MacRae, QC — Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver

Understanding and Drafting Alter Ego and Joint Partner Trusts

  • an in depth review of a joint partner and common law trust indenture and the relevance of the provisions
  • tips for drafting and funding joint partner trusts
  • other tax consequences

David G. Thompson — Thorsteinssons LLP, Vancouver

Networking Break

Beneficiary Designations

  • tax consequences—RRSPS, RRIFs, pensions, insurance
  • in trust designations
  • charitable gifting
  • restrictions on transfers
  • effect of marital breakdown

Michelle L. Isaak — Davis LLP, Vancouver

Multiple Wills

  • primary and secondary wills and probate fees
  • changes under WESA
  • multi-jurisdictional wills—why use them?

Kenneth N. Burnett — Miller Thomson LLP, Vancouver

Networking Lunch 

US Gift and Estate Update

  • what's new for 2011 and 2012 and how is it relevant for Canadian practitioners
  • the US vacation home and creative solutions

Bonita Loughlin — KPMG, Vancouver
Cheyenne J.H. Reese — Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver

Executor and Trustee Compensation and Expenses

  • professional charging clauses
  • pretaking compensation
  • timing of payment of legal fees
  • best practices for drafting

Fiona Hunter — Horne Coupar, Victoria

Planning For Incapacity

  • powers of attorney, representation agreements, and advance directives for health care
  • choosing and compensating your attorney/representative
  • springing powers of attorney vs. escrow agreements
  • safeguarding your clients from undue influence in later life

Geoffrey W. White — Geoffrey W. White Law Corporation, Kelowna 

Networking Break

Planning to Avoid Litigation: Tips For Solicitors From a Litigator

  • minimizing the possibility of successful WVA claims
  • pitfalls in joint tenancy and inter vivos transfers
  • assessing and documenting testamentary capacity and undue influence issues
  • preparing solicitor’s notes with an eye to production

Helen H. Low — Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver

Matrimonial Issues

  • the use of marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements to preserve estate plans
  • preventing, managing, and dealing with conflicts of interest when acting for couples
  • the impact of family law claims on estate planning measures, including trusts
  • estate planning tips for blended families

Scott L. Booth — Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP, Vancouver
Elaine E. Reynolds — Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, Vancouver