Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah spoke with Sarah O'Keefe, a Calgary Wills and Estates Lawyer, about the importance of estate planning for newcomers to Canada. Immigrants to Canada have worked really hard to get here. And when they do get to Canada, their families, their assets, their investments have to be protected. If newcomers don't put the correct legal Canadian documents in place -  a will, power of attorney and a healthcare directive - they can't protect their legacy, the intergenerational wealth that they've worked so hard to acquire. They or their loved ones will need to go to court to get protections, access  and authorizations, which can be avoided by proactive estate planning.

Evelyn and Sarah discuss the importance of estate planning for immigrants to Canada including:

• April 16th is advanced healthcare directive day in Canada
• The importance of a healthcare directive for expats in Canada, whether they are staying for 3 years or permanently
• Why a will and other estate planning documents from their home country are not sufficient for immigrants living in Canada
• How a power of attorney and healthcare directive can prevent family stress and fighting
• Taxation of trust for minor children/children with testamentary trusts set up (jurisdiction change of trust)
• Frequency of travel, making the living documents important
• Future Probate Concerns: Executor having appropriate backups/intestate where bond is required for out of province/country family members
• Specific language re funeral arrangements. These can be incorporated into the Will ensuring compliance with culturally specific rituals
• Ensuring the preservation of 'intergenerational wealth' for the family through the utilization of trusts (guarding against creditors, matrimonial breakdown and lawsuits)

About Evelyn Ackah

Evelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. We work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.

The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2022 by Feedspot.

BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION