“Estate Planning” is the process of appointing someone and giving that person the tools, the information and the instructions they need to efficiently deal with your affairs after you die. Yes, a “Will” is a very important part of most estate plans, but it is a common misconception that a valid Will is the only tool you need or that your loved ones will be able to administer your estate efficiently simply because you “have a Will”. Proper and thorough estate planning requires a more holistic approach. You may also require other documents, such as, without limitation, a Deed of Gift, a Joint Ownership Agreement or a Statutory Declaration to clarify your intentions. Sometimes, we may be engaged to work with your accountant to structure a more sophisticated plan including the use of trusts, such as alter ego trusts or joint partner trusts. At Slaney Randall, our first consultation is comprehensive. We will get to know you fully before we advise you. We will ask you about your family, your goals and the structure of your assets and debts. We will advise you how to meet your planning goals with an estate plan which includes the strategic structuring of your assets, an understanding of the effect of taxes and the risk of claims against your estate, and yes… a Will which is specifically crafted to complement your plan. Our aim for all of our clients is to structure an estate plan that minimizes the complexity and stress to your loved ones who will be dealing with your loss.