Creating a legacy for the people, organizations and causes you care about requires proactive planning. We will help you create a carefully structured estate plan that reflects your unique wishes, protects your wealth and provides clarity to those you love.

You have worked hard to build your wealth and now is the time to take control of the estate planning process. There is a lot to consider when preparing a properly structured estate plan that fulfills your wishes.

  • Customized estate planning Every estate plan is different, and we can help ensure that your plan addresses your needs. Whether you own a business or a vacation property, are separated or divorced, or are part of a blended family or common-law relationship, your estate plan should be customized to your specific situation.
  • Involving your family Properly structured estate plans protect families and clearly define your wishes. Distributing your assets among your beneficiaries without creating tension among them requires sensitivity and careful consideration.
  • Avoiding tax-related surprises and disappointments When considering your personal legacy, it is important to understand how your estate may be taxed at the time of your death, and to best plan for tax.

 As Power of Attorney for my mother, then Executor for her estate, I have relied on the Donnelly Group Private Wealth Management in many ways over the last 6 years. My questions, worries and requests have always been promptly addressed, competently, efficiently and with compassion. If necessary, professional opinions were sought from other experts. My mother had entrusted her financial matters to Keith, Carla and Gloria at Investors Group for many years and thought of them as “like family”! After she moved away from Sault Ste. Marie, she looked forward to her regular phone meetings with Keith and Carla, which continued until the very end of her life. As my mother’s life came to a close, the relationship between my mother and the Donnelly Group was transferred to me, and I came to understand the trust that my mother placed in all of them. After the passing of my mother, the Donnelly Group became indispensable to me, in my role as Executor of her estate. I have been guided every step of the way by Carol Ann and Keith, with Carla and Gloria helping as well. I truly do not know how I could have performed the role of Executor without Carol Ann’s help. She has made it possible and, in fact, fairly straightforward to do what was necessary, even though I live 750 km away from Sault Ste. Marie. She and Keith have been very patient at explaining things (sometimes multiple times!) and keeping the process moving along steadily. Through it all, they have been kind and empathetic, going above and beyond in their service. I am in agreement with my mother – the Donnelly Group is “like family” and they have been instrumental in the successful estate planning and execution of the estate plan for our family. 

Jennifer R-S.

Commonly Asked Questions

  • How to plan around an inheritance?

    Having conversations with your parents or children about topics like death and inheritance can be uncomfortable. To help family members feel more invested in the outcome, it helps to approach this as a values- and goals-based conversation, rather than simply talking about the details of a will. Initiating these conversations from a values-based and aspirational tone often helps ease into the heavier topics.

    It’s also important to remember that when you put a wealth transfer plan (also known as an estate or legacy plan) in place, you don’t have to feel like it’s set in stone. As your family grows and evolves, so can your plan. Donnelly Group Private Wealth Management, along with tax, estate, family law and insurance specialists, have years of experience helping Canadian families thoughtfully navigate the opportunities and complexities of wealth. Get in touch today for more information on how we can help you and your family.

    (source Transitioning wealth: How ready is your family? | IG Wealth Management)

  • What is estate planning?

    Estate planning should be an integral part of any financial plan. It’s essential to align your estate plan with your whole financial picture, to ensure that all of your assets are distributed the way you intended. The purpose of good estate planning is to:

    • Avoid conflict or legal issues among family members and other beneficiaries.
    • Ensure your property, money and belongings are distributed as per your wishes.
    • Support your chosen charities.
    • Ensure your debts and taxes are covered.
    • Be assured that all of your wishes are known.
    • Reduce the stress and expense for your loved ones.

    By integrating it into your financial plan, you can also help ensure that your estate planning is as tax efficient as possible. Donnelly Group Private Wealth Management will set up your Living Plan and build your plan in partnership with IG’s team of tax and estate planning experts.

  • Estate Planning Checklist Canada

    Reach out to our team to request a copy of IG’s interactive Intergenerational Guidebook, “Plan for memories today and leave a legacy for tomorrow”, as well as our “Create Your Family Mission Statement” workbook. These are great resources to use on your own or with loved ones to start mapping out goals, identify unique family considerations, and explore shared values. You can email our team using the following email: info.donnellygroup@igpwm.ca

  • What is involved in an estate plan?

    Our team can help you get started in your estate plan as there are many integral parts to an estate plan including:

    • Your will
    • Setting up a trust
    • Naming beneficiaries
    • Choosing a power of attorney
    • Making charitable donations
    • Estate planning tax efficiencies
    • Succession planning for business owners