In this episode of Your Estate Matters, host Nicole Garton speaks with Dmitri Vasilounis, a lawyer and trust and estate practitioner at RBC Wealth Management, about the growing importance of digital assets in estate planning. Together, they explore what happens to email accounts, social media profiles, cryptocurrency, and other digital holdings after death or incapacity. Dmitri explains key concepts such as custodial versus non-custodial assets and cryptocurrency storage types, while offering practical advice, including creating a digital asset inventory and using platform tools like Apple's Legacy Contact and Google's Inactive Account Manager to help executors access accounts smoothly.

--

Follow Demetre Vasilounis:

All About Estates Blog - https://allaboutestates.ca/

STEP Digital Asset Checklist - https://www.step.org/knowledge-hub/inventory-digital-assets-and-digital-devices

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

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 of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with renowned Canadian tax, trust, and estate lawyer Amanda Doucette (The Tax Chick) about the often-overlooked tax implications of estate planning. Amanda explains how deemed dispositions, RRSP beneficiary designations, probate, and trusts can significantly impact what families ultimately inherit. She cautions against DIY probate strategies, such as adding children to property titles, which can trigger unexpected tax consequences. The conversation also busts common estate planning myths and offers practical advice, reminding Canadians that thoughtful tax planning — not just having a will — is essential to protecting their family's financial future.

--

Follow Amanda Doucette:

Website - www.thetaxchick.ca

The Tax Chick Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-tax-chick-podcast/id1525089244

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tax.chick/

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/amandasadoucette

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 of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with Katie Bennett, a master certified chair with Mackay CEO Forums and founder of Double Black Diamond Coaching, about the often-overlooked human side of business succession planning. With 76% of Canadian small business owners planning to exit within the next decade, yet only 9% holding a formal succession plan, the stakes are high.

Katie shares practical insights on reducing owner dependency, building strong leadership teams, and creating clear strategic plans. As Nicole reminds listeners, a will can determine who inherits a business, but it cannot make that business run.

--

Follow Katie Bennett:

Website - https://www.katiebennett.ca/

Double Black Diamond Coaching - https://doubleblackdiamondcoaching.com/

MacKay CEO Forums - https://mackayceoforums.com/our-chairs/katie-bennett/

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

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 of Your Estate Matters, Nicole interviews Steve Parr, founder of Parr Business Law, about the critical intersection of corporate law and estate planning for business owners. Drawing on his background as both an entrepreneur and lawyer, Steve outlines essential risk management tools — including wills, powers of attorney, shareholders agreements, and insurance. He also addresses today's pressing challenges: AI disruption, cybersecurity threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, and financial uncertainty. Steve encourages business owners not to feel overwhelmed, but instead to audit their risk exposure, lean on trusted professionals, and embrace adaptability as the new cornerstone of business resilience.

--

Follow Steve Parr:

https://www.parrbusinesslaw.com/

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

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxv_AFussiH1f4-TnN7SJRQ

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 of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with estate planning lawyer Michael Scott, exploring the unique complexities business owners face when planning their estates. Michael explains why having a will and power of attorney forms the essential foundation, while also discussing advanced strategies such as estate freezes, family trusts, and probate fee avoidance. The conversation covers shareholders' agreements, key person insurance, and the lifetime capital gains exemption. Michael also addresses common misconceptions, warning against handshake deals and delayed planning. His key message: even a basic plan can save families significant stress, expense, and uncertainty when the unexpected happens.

--

Follow Michael Scott:

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michael-scott-ba105148

Clark Wilson LLP - https://www.cwilson.com/people/michael-scott/

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 of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with John Sandrelli, a seasoned restructuring and insolvency expert, about the complexities of insolvent estates in Canada. With consumer debt reaching a record $2.6 trillion, John explains why this issue is becoming increasingly relevant. He outlines the warning signs executors should watch for, the serious personal liability risks they face, and the critical choice between administering an estate under BC's WESA or the federal Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. John also covers exempt assets, creditor priorities, family law intersections, and emphasizes that seeking professional advice early is essential for any executor navigating an insolvent estate.

--

Follow John Sandrelli:

Website - https://www.dentons.com/en/john-sandrelli

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

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 of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with Jen Murtagh, co-founder of Maturn and creator of the Brave Connectedness framework that she employs in her coaching practice Jen Murtagh Coaching. Jen shares her journey from C-suite executive to entrepreneur, shaped by burnout, divorce, and a life-changing heart disease diagnosis. Together, they explore how midlife transitions — retirement, caregiving, widowhood, and menopause — affect both identity and life planning. Jen encourages listeners to embrace small acts of bravery, lean into community, and do meaningful inner work, reminding us that reinvention is possible at any age and that it's never too late to live with greater intention.

--

Follow Jen Murtagh:

Jen Murtagh Coaching - https://www.jenmurtagh.com/

Maturn - https://maturn.com/meet-the-founders/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmurtagh/

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

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 speaks with renowned therapist Alyson Jones about the complex relationship between money and couples. Together, they explore why financial conversations are so difficult, touching on emotional history, gender dynamics, power imbalances, and the taboo surrounding money. Alyson offers practical advice for improving communication, including regular financial check-ins, approaching discussions with curiosity and empathy, and recognizing warning signs of financial abuse. She also addresses how midlife transitions — retirement, supporting adult children, and estate planning — make open, respectful money conversations more important than ever.

--

Follow Alyson Jones:

Website - https://www.alysonjones.ca/

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

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/alyson-jones-13297930

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 of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with cross-border estate planning expert Jonah Spiegelman of Polaris Tax Counsel. Together, they explore the complex tax and legal challenges facing U.S. citizens living in Canada and Canadians with U.S. ties. Topics include annual U.S. filing obligations, estate and gift tax interactions, registered accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs, U.S. real estate ownership, and the pitfalls of improper estate planning. Jonah emphasizes that personalized, knowledgeable advice is essential to avoid costly mistakes, double taxation, and penalties for those navigating life on both sides of the border.

--

Follow Jonah Spiegelman:

Website - http://jspiegelman.com/attorneys/jonah-z-spiegelman/

Polaris Tax Counsel - https://polaristax.com/jonah-spiegelman/

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

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 of Your Estate Matters, Nicole welcomes elder law expert Hugh McLellan to discuss estate planning for disabled beneficiaries in British Columbia. They explore the complexities of protecting inheritances and government benefits, the importance of trusts, and the role of representation agreements.

Hugh highlights the need for early, individualized planning and explains the current legal framework, including guardianship laws and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The episode offers practical advice and emphasizes the value of professional guidance to help families secure their loved ones’ futures.

--

Links:

Follow Hugh McLellan:

Website - https://mclellanherbert.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-mclellan-aa0b8b26/

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

Financial and Legal Tools/Programs

Community Living British Columbia - https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/

PLAN (Lifetime Advocacy Network) - https://plan.ca/

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) - https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/savings.html

Disability Tax Credit - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html

Section 7 Representation Agreement - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/incapacity-planning

British Columbia Disability Benefits Program - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/disability-assistance

Books

Financial and Estate Planning for the Mature Client in British Columbia - https://store.lexisnexis.ca/en/categories/shop-by-jurisdiction/british-columbia-9/financial-and-estate-planning-for-the-mature-client-in-british-columbia-skusku-cad-00035/details