Planning for the future isn’t always easy but, not planning can leave your family in a bind.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for anyone who wants to make sure their wishes are respected, their loved ones are protected, and their affairs are in order - before and after they’re gone.

Here’s what every Canadian senior should know.

1. Start With a Will

A will is your voice after you're gone. It outlines who inherits what, who’s in charge, and how you'd like things handled.

In Canada, a legal will allows you to:

• Appoint an executor to manage your estate
• Distribute assets (home, savings, valuables, etc.)
• Leave gifts or donations to causes you care about
• Name guardians for minor dependents (if applicable)

Pro tip: Even if you have a will, review it every few years or after major life changes. If you don’t have one, creating one now can save your family from legal headaches later.

2. Know Your Power(s) of Attorney

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass—it also covers what happens if you're still alive but unable to make decisions for yourself.

In Ontario (and most provinces), you can name:

• A Power of Attorney for Personal Care (for health decisions)
• A Power of Attorney for Property (for finances and legal matters)

Choose someone you trust. This person could be a family member, friend, or even a professional, and they’ll be responsible for acting in your best interest if you're unable to.

3. Make a Living Will or Advance Directive

This document lays out your wishes around end-of-life medical care.

It can include things like:

• Whether you want to be kept on life support
• If you’d want a feeding tube or resuscitation (DNR orders)
• Pain management preferences or palliative care wishes
• Organ donation choices

Talk about these preferences with your family—and make sure someone knows where your documents are stored.

4. Set Up a Trust (Optional)

For some families, especially those with blended families, business interests, or large estates, a trust can help manage how and when assets are distributed.

While not essential for every estate, a trust can:

• Minimize probate fees or delays
• Protect privacy (trusts aren’t public like wills)
• Give more control over specific inheritances

Setting one up requires a qualified estate lawyer or financial planner, and rules vary by province.

5. Gather & Store Your Important Documents

It’s not just what you put in your estate plan—it’s also how you organize it.

Here’s a checklist of what to gather:

• Will, powers of attorney, and directives
• Property deeds, investment accounts, insurance policies
• Marriage/divorce certificates
• A list of passwords or account access info
• Contact info for key advisors (lawyer, financial planner, executor)

Store these in a fireproof safe or secure digital vault. Make sure your executor knows how to access them.

Final Thoughts

Estate planning might feel overwhelming but, it’s one of the most caring things you can do for your loved ones.
It ensures your wishes are respected, prevents family stress, and smooths the way when emotions are already running high.

📞 Need help getting started?
Movin’ On Mamas can connect you with trusted estate professionals and help you navigate what’s needed based on your unique situation.