In this episode of Your Estate Matters, expert Kathleen Cunningham shares her extensive experience in elder law and estate matters. The discussion explores the complexities of elder abuse, undue influence, and financial exploitation, highlighting legal protections and practical steps for safeguarding vulnerable adults. Kathleen explains the roles of the Public Guardian and Trustee, designated agencies, and community response networks in British Columbia. Listeners gain valuable insights into recognizing red flags, understanding available resources, and the importance of community involvement in protecting families, assets, and legacies. This episode empowers Canadians to take informed action in estate planning and elder protection.

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Links for this episode:

STEP Canada Client Service Resource: A Guide for Assisting Persons in Vulnerable Situations https://online.fliphtml5.com/zskjb/zjwz/#p=1

(flipbook and downloadable;

see Appendix 8 for annotated list of Resources.

See Appendix 4 for resources on unconscious bias;

See Appendix 7 for list of provincial and territorial PGTs.

Canadian Centre for Elder Law – Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada https://ccelderlaw.ca/ (En/Fr) & https://www.bcli.org/sectors/ccel/

BC Law Institute: Undue Influence Recognition and Prevention: A Guide for Legal Practitioners and Reference Aid https://www.bcli.org/project/undue-influence-recognition-prevention-guide-update-project/

BC Association of Community Response Networks https://bccrns.ca/

watch for monthly provincial learning events , education events; and World Elder Abuse Day (June 15) events

Public Guardian and Trustee of BC: https://www.trustee.bc.ca/adults/vulnerable-adults-experiencing-abuse-neglect-or-self-neglect

(scroll down to the Decision Tree link and link to BC government website

Text at the bottom of the page:

See Decision Tree: How to Assist an Adult who is Abused, Neglected or Self-neglecting (PDF, 424KB) to better understand which agencies to contact to make the most effective referrals for adults who may be vulnerable or incapable.

For more information, see the Province's website on protecting elders from abuse and neglect, and the PGT's videos on how to assist an adult who is abused, neglected or self-neglected.

See this page for list of designated agencies https://www.trustee.bc.ca/adults/protecting-vulnerable-adult-abuse-neglect-or-self-neglect

Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse https://cnpea.ca/en/ - En/Fr; watch for World Elder Abuse Day (June 15) events

Nidus: https://nidus.ca/about-us/

Information and forms for Representation Agreements and more.

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

In this week's episode, Nicole welcomes Frank Danielson, a seasoned personal CFO and wealth mentor. Together, they explore the complexities of managing and transitioning family wealth and businesses. Frank shares insights on the emotional and practical challenges families face, the importance of open communication, and the evolving role of a personal CFO.

The discussion emphasizes holistic planning, risk management, and the need for family alignment, offering listeners practical advice on fostering meaningful conversations and preparing for the future in today’s uncertain economic landscape.

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Follow Frank Danielson:

Website - https://danielsongroup.ca/

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/frankdanielson

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

In our first episode of 2026, Nicole, interviews Vince Cardella, a seasoned financial advisor and co-founder and Principal at Promerita Group, about the vital role of life insurance in estate and business succession planning. They discuss the differences between term, whole life, and universal life insurance, the importance of disability coverage, and strategies for managing tax liabilities. Vince shares practical advice for business owners and families, emphasizing the benefits of proactive planning and trusted professional guidance. The conversation offers clear, relatable insights for Canadians looking to protect their families, preserve wealth, and plan for the future.

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Follow Vince Cardella:

Website - https://www.promerita.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-cardella-3500aa11/

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

What happens when four decades of family and estate law collide with real-life lessons about love, loss, and legacy? In this compelling episode of Your Estate Matters, host Nicole Garton sits down with veteran litigator Angela Thiele, Partner at Lindsay Kenney LLP. We unpack what she’s learned after more than 40 years helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult transitions.

Together, she and Nicole unpack the roots of family conflict, the rise of “gray divorce,” generational and cultural differences in estate planning, and why mediation often beats the courtroom.

With wisdom, warmth, and a dash of tough love, Angela reminds us that the best lawyers don’t just win cases, they help clients heal and move forward.

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Follow Angela Thiele:

Website - https://lklaw.ca/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-thiele-28275014 

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

In today's episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with Chris Martin, Managing Partner at Lindsay Kenney, about his journey in litigation and the evolving legal landscape in British Columbia. They discuss the shift to no-fault ICBC claims, economic pressures on legal practice, and the growing role of technology and AI. Chris shares insights on mentoring young lawyers, managing a midsize firm, and the importance of professionalism and empathy. The conversation offers practical advice for Canadians interested in protecting their families, assets, and legacies amid changing legal and economic conditions.

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Follow Chris Martin:

Website - https://lklaw.ca/our-people/christopher-martin/

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/chrisatlklaw

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

In this episode, Nicole interviews Dr. Julie Gowthorpe, a specialist in trauma and family dynamics. Dr. Gowthorpe explains the difference between simple and complex trauma, how early experiences shape relationships, and the impact of trauma on family conflict—especially during estate matters. She offers practical advice on self-awareness, communication, and breaking unhealthy cycles, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed support. The episode provides listeners with insights and strategies to foster healing, improve family relationships, and protect their legacies for future generations.

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Follow Julie Gowthorpe:

Website - https://gowthorpetherapists.com/

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/julie-gowthorpe-ph-d-rsw-20867a5b

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjuliegowthorpersw/?hl=en

Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Dr-Julie-Gowthorpe/e/B00MMKI5V2

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drjuliegowthorpe/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drjuliegowthorpersw

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

In today's episode, Nicole speaks with Tim Hewson, co-founder of LegalWills, about the rise of online wills and their impact on estate planning. They discuss how technology is making wills more accessible, secure, and affordable, while also addressing common barriers and misconceptions. The conversation covers the benefits and limitations of online will services, the role of AI, and the growing trend of charitable giving through wills. Listeners gain practical insights into modern estate planning and the importance of thoughtful legacy decisions.

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Follow Tim Hewson:

Website (LegalWills) - https://www.legalwills.ca/

Website (Tim Hewson) - https://www.timhewson.com/

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/timhewson

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

In today's episode, Nicole and Greg welcome personal finance expert and host of the More Money podcast, Jessica Moorhouse. Jessica shares her journey from discovering money blogs to becoming a bestselling author and educator. The discussion explores the emotional and cultural factors shaping financial habits, the impact of family history, and the unique challenges millennials face. Jessica offers practical advice on financial wellness, homeownership, and overcoming systemic barriers. She emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, and accessible education, encouraging listeners to redefine financial success and approach money matters with compassion and confidence.

Head to Jessica's website to find her new book, Everything but Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom:

https://jessicamoorhouse.com/book

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Follow Jessica:

Website - https://jessicamoorhouse.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessicaimoorhouse/?hl=en

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYnO91qekBWZExXRUtq2Qw

X - https://x.com/jessi_moorhouse?lang=en

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jessicaimoorhouse/

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jessicaimoorhouse

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

What stories from your life or family deserve to be remembered 100 years from now?

This week Nicole and Greg sit down with Mali Bain, educator, facilitator, and founder of NextGen Story Custom Publishing. Mali shares how she helps families transform life stories and histories into beautifully crafted books that preserve legacy across generations.

From capturing the wisdom of elders to bridging generational gaps through storytelling, Mali explains why books often outlast digital files, how writing can be both healing and connective, and why every life story has value. She also shares her own journey and reveals how personal narratives can strengthen resilience, belonging, and family bonds.

Discover why preserving your story may be one of the most meaningful legacies you can leave behind.

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Follow Mali Bain:

Website - https://www.nextgen.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mali-bain-5a81304 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nextgenstory/

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

In today's episode, Nicole and Greg chat with Denise Howell, Executive Director of Grants and Communications at the West Vancouver Foundation.

Denise explains how the foundation connects donors with local initiatives, manages grant programs, and supports causes such as seniors’ care, youth programs, and the arts. She discusses the importance of legacy giving, how individuals can get involved through donations or volunteering, and the foundation’s collaboration with estate professionals.

Listeners gain practical insights into using estate planning and charitable giving to make a lasting impact in their communities.

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Follow Denise Howell:

Website - https://westvanfoundation.ca/

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dehowell

Follow Heritage Trust:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/

Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/

Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians:

https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist