
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this insightful episode, Gordon and Jenna explore one of the most pivotal decisions in estate planning: choosing the right executor. While many focus on asset distribution, the choice of executor can make or break the success of an estate administration. From strained family dynamics to logistical challenges, this conversation dives into the top five reasons you may want to rethink your executor — plus a bonus tip to future-proof your plan.
Key Discussion Points
Takeaways
Subscribe & Share
If you’re planning your estate — or helping someone else through the process — don’t miss this episode.
Subscribe to Estates Made Simple on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube.
Know someone who’s thinking about updating their will? Share this episode with them!
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this episode, Gord and Jenna welcome Randy Frisch, a two-time tech founder and CEO of Trusty Estate, to discuss a common challenge in estate planning: what happens to the meaningful, personal items that aren't covered in a traditional will?
Randy shares how his app, MyTrusty.ai, helps individuals document and assign personal valuables—like heirlooms, keepsakes, or high-value items—by combining modern AI tools with estate planning principles. The app allows users to upload images, record video wishes, store important documents, and grant secure, time-sensitive access to executors after death. The goal? Reduce ambiguity, ease the executor’s role, and preserve family harmony.
What You'll Learn
Key Quote
“We wanted to create a way to preserve the intention behind a gift—not just the item itself. A bracelet, a painting, a watch—they all come with stories. This helps make sure those stories and wishes are passed on clearly.” – Randy Frisch
Try the App
You can find MyTrusty.ai on the App Store or Google Play or visit mytrusty.ai to learn more. If you work with an advisor, ask if they offer access through their practice.
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this episode, Gord and Jenna explore one of the trickier conversations in estate planning: should you tell your children what they’ll inherit?
While disclosure will happen eventually during estate administration, the question is whether discussing the inheritance while you’re still alive helps or hinders family harmony. Gord and Jenna break down the pros and cons, including how preemptive communication can prevent legal challenges and protect family relationships.
Key Topics Covered
Practical Takeaways
“Estate surprises may sound fun, but they rarely end well. Talk to your kids. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.”
Don’t forget:
Subscribe to Estates Made Simple on your favourite podcast app or watch full episodes on YouTube. Have a topic you want covered? Drop us a line—we’d love to hear from you.
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this week’s episode, Gord and Jenna tackle a question many executors (and planners) may not have thought of: What happens when an executor passes away during the administration of an estate?
This isn’t just a legal technicality—it can create delays, additional court processes, increased costs, and stress for beneficiaries. Gord draws on real-life scenarios from his legal practice to walk us through how this unfolds and how to plan ahead to reduce risk.
Key Topics Covered
Best Practices for Estate Planning
“Picking a great executor is only half the job. Making sure they’re still alive, willing, and legally empowered to act when the time comes is just as important.”
Don’t forget:
Subscribe to Estates Made Simple wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on YouTube for more estate planning insights—simplified.
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
Today we’re diving into the world of charitable giving and the growing role of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in estate administration. Special guest Ian Currie from Canada Gives joins Gordon and Jenna to walk executors and estate planners through how donor-advised funds work, when to consider a private foundation, and how to honour a loved one’s philanthropic legacy with more ease and flexibility.
Whether you’re planning your own estate or administering someone else's, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about managing charitable gifts effectively and strategically.
What You’ll Learn
Real-World Example
Ian shares the story of a $20M estate where the executor was tasked with giving $10M to charity. Through a DAF, they avoided issuing 20 individual gifts and instead structured multi-year giving plans to multiple charities—all with one tax receipt, investment oversight, and ongoing family involvement. It reduced complexity and honoured the donor’s legacy with intention and efficiency.
Connect with Ian Currie
Ian Currie, MFA-P™
Regional Development Manager – Western Canada
📧 [email protected]
📞 Direct: 587-334-8229 | Toll Free: 1-844-583-4483
Canada Gives – Toronto | Collingwood | Edmonton
📬 Mailing Address: #203 – 40 Huron St, Collingwood ON L9Y 4R3
🌐 www.canadagives.ca
Subscribe to Estates Made Simple for more expert insights on estate administration and planning.
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
Digital assets are no longer just a tech issue—they’re a legal, financial, and emotional part of modern estate administration. In this episode, Gordon and Jenna are joined by Nicole Garton, a seasoned estates lawyer and the President of BC’s Heritage Trust Company, to explore what executors and planners need to know about managing digital assets after death.
From crypto and cloud-stored photos to email, social media, and intellectual property, digital assets are now a vital part of estate planning—and ignoring them can lead to legal delays, disputes, or even permanent loss of value.
Key Topics Covered
Best Practices and Tools
Final Thoughts
Digital assets introduce a modern challenge for executors—but also a chance to protect important value. Whether managing an estate or planning your own, this episode offers practical steps to avoid costly errors and delays.
Resources Mentioned:
Questions or referrals? Reach out to Gordon or Jenna anytime.
Subscribe to Estates Made Simple on your favourite podcast platform or YouTube.
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this episode, Gordon and Jenna dive into the complexities of administering estates with international or cross-border assets. Whether it’s a vacation home in Portugal, a U.S. investment account, or a bank balance left behind in another country, executors need to navigate legal, tax, and logistical hurdles carefully to avoid missteps.
As more Canadians hold global assets, this episode offers timely advice for executors and estate planners to help protect estate value and minimize risk.
Key Topics Covered
Why International Assets Matter More Than Ever
The Three Buckets of Executor Complexity
1. Legal
2. Tax & Financial
3. Logistics
Planning & Administration Tips
For Estate Planners
For Executors
Final Thoughts
Cross-border estates require more than just good intentions—they require professional support, proactive planning, and strong documentation. Whether you’re an executor facing international property or planning your own global legacy, this episode helps point you in the right direction.
🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube.
Need referrals for cross-border legal or accounting help? Reach out to Gordon or Jenna directly.
Thanks for listening to Estates Made Simple!
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In this special guest episode of Estates Made Simple, Gordon and Jenna welcome Melissa Best, a seasoned money manager turned tech entrepreneur, who shares her deep insight into why estate organization is often the missing link in a well-laid estate plan.
Melissa draws on 40+ years of experience managing high-net-worth portfolios and fiduciary accounts to reveal the most common executor challenges—and how her platform, Quick Estate, is helping fix them.
Whether you’re an executor, estate planner, or simply trying to get your affairs in order, this episode is packed with practical tips and aha moments on what to document, how to stay organized, and how to make life easier for your future executor.
Key Topics Covered
Why Estate Planning Often Falls Short
What is Estate Organization—And Why Does It Matter?
Executor Realities: It’s Harder Than You Think
A Peek into Quick Estate’s Tools
Don’t Want Software? Melissa’s Advice Is Simple:
Final Thoughts
Melissa’s core message? Don’t leave your executor in the dark. Whether you use Quick Estate or a plain old notepad, estate organization is one of the best gifts you can leave your loved ones.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Catch this episode and more on your favourite podcast platform, or watch the full video on YouTube.
🔗 Learn more about Melissa’s platform at QuickEstate.ca
💬 Have questions or topic ideas? Reach out to the team—we’d love to hear from you!
Until next time, thanks for tuning in to Estates Made Simple!
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In 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. But executor work is complex, time-consuming, and carries personal liability—making compensation not just reasonable, but essential.
They break down the legal entitlement to executor fees, discuss common misconceptions, and share practical strategies to ensure executors are fairly compensated while maintaining transparency with beneficiaries.
Key Takeaways
✔ 1. Executors Are Entitled to Compensation
✔ 2. Compensation Should Reflect Workload & Liability
✔ 3. The Market Standard: 2% - 5% of the Estate
✔ 4. Keep Track of Your Time & Expenses
✔ 5. Executors Shouldn’t Decide Compensation Too Early
✔ 6. Present Compensation with Final Accounting
✔ 7. Legal & Professional Guidance is Key
Final Thoughts
Being an executor is a serious responsibility, and fair compensation ensures the role is properly fulfilled. By keeping detailed records, communicating openly, and seeking professional advice, executors can confidently request fair and reasonable compensation.
Executors—don’t sell yourself short! 💪
Subscribe & Follow
Subscribe to Estates Made Simple for more insights on estate administration. Watch us on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
📌 See you next time! 😊
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
Send us Fan Mail
Episode Summary
In 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 responsibilities, tax implications, and best practices when working with charities.
Learn how to engage with charities, determine if they accept assets in kind, and ensure transparent communication to avoid issues in the estate process.
Key Takeaways
1. Charitable Giving Requires a Will
2. Find the Right Charity Contact
3. Consider Transferring Assets in Kind
4. Work with an Accountant Early
5. Understand the Difference: Residual vs. Fixed Gifts
6. Transparency & Regular Communication
7. Timing Matters
Final Thoughts
For Executors:
✅ Contact charities early to discuss requirements.
✅ Work with legal and tax professionals for compliance.
✅ Keep detailed records and communicate regularly.
For Estate Planning:
✅ Decide between a fixed or percentage gift.
✅ Review tax benefits of charitable giving.
✅ Clearly document your wishes in your will.
Charitable giving can leave a lasting legacy, but proper planning is key.
Subscribe & Follow
Subscribe to Estates Made Simple on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube for more expert insights on estate administration.
📌 See you next time! 😊
Hosts:
Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Please note, Estates Made Simple is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. We recommend you seek individualized advice for your unique situation with qualified professionals.
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to the “Estates Made Simple” Podcast, hosted by Gordon VanderLeek, a licensed lawyer specializing in wills, estates and trusts, along with guest experts and co-hosts. We are a bi-weekly…