Jointing Family Assets to Avoid Probate: Deed of Gift and Declaration of Trust

We will dive into a topic that touches many of us, whether in personal or professional contexts: estate planning and the implications of joint asset ownership. As we navigate the complexities of planning for the future, understanding the intersection of probate fees, tax obligations, and legal ownership structures becomes essential. Jointing ownership of assets with children in an effort to benefit from the right of survivorship to avoid probate fees is no longer all that simple. Douglas Buchmayer will shed light on this multifaceted subject. Drawing from key insights and recent developments in Ontario law and federal tax regulations, we will go through the potential pitfalls and best practices when it comes to joint asset ownership, from probate implications under the Estate Administration Tax Act to Income Tax Act reporting requirements. A discussion about a Deed of Gift and Declaration of Trust can further equip us with the knowledge to avoid common missteps and preserve wealth for future generations.