Advisors have an obligation to inform elderly clients of the many risks with transferring an account to be held jointly to avoid probate fees
Gifting money not only helps children or grandchildren get established, it also offers significant opportunities for tax and estate planning
Matthew Urback discusses the difficult choices facing advisors who suspect their clients are losing the ability to make informed decisions (Part 4 of 4)
Matthew Urback explains why advisors can get caught up in acrimonious estate disputes and provides tips on avoiding litigation (Part 3 of 4)
Matthew Urback explains the two most common reasons clients' wills are contested, leading to a potentially lengthy and costly legal process (Part 2 of 4)
Failure to keep a potential beneficiary informed overrides a limitation period, B.C. court rules
Matthew Urback flags key points in the estates process where advisors can act to protect both their clients and their practice from the impacts of elder abuse (Part 1 of 4)
Naming a second spouse or a grandchild as the direct beneficiary of an account could lead to various unintended consequences
Although people would rather avoid discussing their intentions with their loved ones, much potential future conflict could be mitigated if there’s a will in place
Discussing these issues can save your clients trouble in the long run