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.
Estates Made Simple
Estate Planning After Divorce or Separation
Episode Summary
In this episode, Gordon and Jenna explore estate planning for divorced and separated couples, one of the most common and complex scenarios in estate law. With nearly half of marriages ending in divorce, this conversation is relevant to countless Canadians navigating the legal and emotional transition from shared to individual planning. They discuss how divorce impacts wills, executors, and beneficiary designations, and how proper planning can prevent future disputes for both families and executors.
Key Discussion Points
1. Why Updating Your Estate Plan Post-Divorce Is Essential
2. The Core Documents to Update
3. Property, Beneficiaries, and Obligations
4. Executor and Trustee Considerations
5. Managing Trusts for Minor Children
6. Estate Planning for Families with Disabled Children
7. Avoiding Future Litigation
Key Takeaways
· Divorce requires a complete estate plan review, don’t rely on old documents or assumptions.
· Update all legal documents: will, power of attorney, personal directive, and beneficiary designations.
· Communicate between legal advisors in family and estate law for coordinated planning.
· Anticipate conflicts and choose executors or trustees who can manage them impartially.
· For families with disabled children, coordinate trust planning to preserve tax advantages and long-term stability.
· Above all, proactive planning minimizes stress and litigation, ensuring your assets go where you intend.
Hosts:
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
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Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
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