Estates Made Simple
Welcome to the “Estates Made Simple” Podcast, hosted by Gordon VanderLeek, a licensed lawyer specializing in wills, estates and trusts, and Jenna Carvalho, an estate and trust consultant with over 10 years experience helping families secure their assets and plan for the future. We are a bi-weekly podcast that discusses the complicated and often confusing world of estate administration. Our goal is to provide you with the insight, knowledge and resources to help you navigate this complex process. Every episode we bring our unique perspective to provide listeners with unbiased information and practical tips to ensure success and mitigate risk. Even if you are not an executor, there will be topics of interest as you consider planning options for your own estate. Join us for helpful tips and important information on navigating estate administration so you can achieve peace of mind as an executor or administrator.
Episodes
58 episodes
Why Executors Should Always Charge a Fee
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Jenna and Gordon tackle a sometimes controversial topic: executor compensation. Many executors feel hesitant about charging a fee, fearing family pushback or concerns about fairness. B...
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Season 1
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Episode 58
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15:57
Working with Charitable Beneficiaries in Estate Administration
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Gordon and Jenna discuss the unique challenges of managing charitable beneficiaries in estate administration. With charitable giving on the rise, executors must understand legal res...
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Season 1
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Episode 57
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14:34
Three Things Executors Often Don’t Know About Estate Administration
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Gordon and Jenna break down three key aspects of estate administration that often surprise executors. While many assume the role is straightforward, there are hidden complexities, legal re...
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Season 1
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Episode 56
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9:08
Stepping Down as an Executor: When & How to Resign
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Gordon and Jenna discuss stepping down as an executor after you’ve already started acting. While renouncing before taking on the role is straightforward, resigning once you've begun administe...
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14:18
Understanding Adjusted Cost Base (ACB) for Executors
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Gordon and Jenna break down the concept of Adjusted Cost Base (ACB) and why it’s critical for executors managing estate assets. They discuss how ACB impacts capital gains tax, the impo...
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Season 1
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Episode 54
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10:10
Disrupting Real Estate: How Bode Canada Helps Executors Sell Property with Robert Price
Episode SummaryGordon and Jenna sit down with Robert Price, CEO of Bode Canada, to explore how executors can sell estate properties faster, with greater transparency, and at lower costs.Bode’s online platform ...
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Season 1
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Episode 53
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28:23
Exercising Executor Discretion: Best Practices and Guiding Principles
Episode SummaryIn this episode of Estates Made Simple, Gordon VanderLeek and Jenna Carvalho tackle an essential topic for executors: exercising discretion when making decisions during estate administration. From ch...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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10:30
Henson Trusts: Planning for Disabled Beneficiaries
Episode SummaryIn this episode of Estates Made Simple, Gordon VanderLeek and Jenna Carvalho delve into the intricacies of Henson Trusts, focusing on their critical role in estate planning for disabled beneficiaries...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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18:50
50 Episodes Later- Highlights, Insights, and Gratitude
Episode SummaryIn this special 50th episode of Estates Made Simple, Gordon VanderLeek and Jenna Carvalho reflect on their journey over the past 50 recordings. From early challenges to memorable moments, the duo takes a wa...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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11:39
Understanding Testamentary Trusts and Creditor Protection
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Gordon and Jenna dive deep into the topic of testamentary trusts and their role in creditor protection. They explore the situations in which establishing a trust as part of an estate p...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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20:00
Why Are Wills So Long? Understanding the Essential Provisions That Protect Your Estate
Summary:In this episode, we dive deep into the world of wills, exploring the common question: "Why does a will have to be so long?" Our hosts discuss the difference between the unique client-tailored provisions and the standard te...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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18:02
Understanding Personal Directives in Estate Planning
Summary:In this episode, we delve into the essential role of personal directives in estate planning. In Alberta, clients typically need to execute three critical documents: a will, a power of attorney for property, and a personal ...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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16:42
Understanding the 21-Year Rule in Trusts
Summary: In this episode, our hosts dive into the intricacies of the 21-year rule in trust administration. Often misunderstood, the 21-year rule pertains to the deemed disposition of assets held within a trust, not the lifesp...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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13:09
The Positives of Being an Executor
Summary: In this episode, we dive into a topic that's often overlooked—the benefits of being an executor. While the challenges and responsibilities of the role are frequently discussed, we wanted to shed light on the positive...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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9:45
Understanding Different Types of Beneficiaries
Summary: In this episode our hosts dive deep into the complexities of estate administration, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of executors when dealing with different types of beneficiaries. The discussion covers th...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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14:19
Estate Planning Essentials: Insights for a Smooth Administration
Summary: In this episode, our hosts explore the critical insights they wish they could share with individuals who have created new wills before passing away. Drawing from their extensive experience managing hundreds of estate...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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18:37
Common Executor Questions
Common Executor Questions Summary: In this episode, we delve into some of the most common questions executors face. Whether you're an executor for the first time or looking to refresh your knowledge, this e...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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15:21
Successful Estate Administration - Tips, Themes, and Common Traps to Avoid
Summary: In this episode, we dive into the world of estate administration, drawing from our experiences with both professional executors and laypeople who have taken on this critical role. We discuss key themes and share tips...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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14:34
Navigating Probate for Small Estates
Summary: In this episode, our hosts dive into the complexities of handling small estates and discuss whether probate is necessary in such cases. They explore the reasons behind the probate process, its advantages, and why it ...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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18:41
What Can You Bequeath on Death
Summary:In this episode, our hosts dive into the complex question of what individuals can bequeath upon their death. They break down the topic into three main categories: assets, remains, and dependents. Throughout the discussion,...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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20:05
Managing Missing Assets in Estate Planning
Summary:In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding missing assets in estate planning. Testators often draft their wills years before passing, stipulating specific items for particular beneficiaries. However, circu...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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9:05
Navigating Inheritance Conditions Legal, Moral, and Ethical Considerations
Summary:In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of conditions in wills and the implications they hold for executors. Inspired by a thought-provoking case from the Netflix show "Fisk," where a deceased individual stipulat...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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17:37
Navigating Estate Administration Across Jurisdictions
Summary:In this episode, we delve into the complexities of administering estates with assets spread across multiple jurisdictions. As individuals increasingly acquire properties in different provinces or even countries, it's vital...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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13:42
Navigating Tax Returns at Death with Matt Sharp from Structure LLP
Summary:In this episode, we had Matt Sharp from Structure Chartered Professional Accountants LLP, an expert in tax returns and estate planning, discussing the complexities of tax returns required after someone passes away.W...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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32:29
What Questions Should an Executor Ask
Summary:In this episode, our hosts discuss the crucial questions an executor should ask before agreeing to an appointment. They emphasize the importance of proactive communication between the testator and the proposed executor to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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19:44