In this week's episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole and guest Steve Parr, founder of Parr Business Law in Vancouver, explore a fresh approach to estate planning. Rather than treating it as a tedious legal chore, they encourage Canadians to view it as a meaningful, values-driven process. Steve shares how starting with personal conversations about family, legacy, and intentions leads to better outcomes than jumping straight to documents. They also tackle common barriers like cost and intimidation, clarify that estate planning isn't just for the wealthy, and explain why professional guidance matters far more than online will kits.

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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 financial planner Gary Preisser from Stonebriar Wealth Advisors about protecting retirement income through smarter planning. Gary introduces his "Cash Flow Clock" framework, which organizes assets into time-based zones based on when funds will actually be needed. Rather than relying on traditional portfolio allocations, this approach prioritizes liquidity for short-term needs while allowing longer-term funds to grow. The conversation highlights how the timing of market losses can devastate retirement income, and why coordinating financial, tax, and estate planning is essential for building a truly resilient retirement.

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Follow Gary Preisser:

Website - https://garypreisser.com/

Stonebriar Wealth Advisors - https://www.stonebriarwealthadvisors.com/team/gary-preisser

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

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 Caroline Derksen, founder of End with Care Vancouver, about the growing role of end-of-life doulas. Caroline explains how death doulas provide holistic, non-medical support to families navigating life-limiting diagnoses, medical assistance in dying, and the grieving process. She discusses practical services such as legacy projects, living funerals, and coordinating care, while addressing common misconceptions about the profession. Nicole and Caroline emphasize that truly comprehensive estate planning extends beyond legal documents to include thoughtful, human-centred preparation for the dying process itself.

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Follow Caroline Derksen:

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

LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/caroline-derksen-05828a2a9

End of Life Doula Association of Canada - https://eoldac.org/

National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) - https://nedalliance.org/

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, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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