Estates and Trusts

Complex family arrangements can involve significant assets, multiple beneficiaries, interrelated estate and trust structures and connections to more than one jurisdiction. Our Estates and Trusts team advises on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, family governance, succession and estate administration.

We also help trustees, executors and other fiduciaries carry out their responsibilities, with advice tailored to the circumstances of each family and estate.

From planning to administration

• Wills and estate planning. Multiple-will structures, letters of wishes and other arrangements governing the transfer of assets on death.
• Trusts. Inter vivos and testamentary trusts, including arrangements for family members and beneficiaries.
• Powers of attorney and incapacity planning. Powers of attorney for property and personal care, personal care directives and arrangements for future incapacity.
• Family governance and succession. Frameworks that support family decision-making and the transition of responsibilities over time.
• Estate and trust administration. Probate and ongoing administration, including matters involving substantial assets or multiple beneficiaries.
• Trustees, executors and other fiduciaries. Advice on fiduciary duties, decision-making, administration, accounting obligations and non-contentious passings of accounts.
• Multi-jurisdictional matters. Estates and trusts involving assets, beneficiaries or fiduciaries in more than one jurisdiction.

Part of Canada's largest tax platform

Our Estates and Trusts practice sits within McCarthy Tétrault’s Chambers Canada Band 1-ranked National Tax Group, alongside our dedicated Private Client Tax Planning and Charities & Non-Profits teams. Clients can draw on those capabilities when estate and trust matters raise tax or charitable considerations, and on our Private Wealth Disputes practice when issues become contentious.