The Canadian estate-planning checklist

Getting your affairs in order isn't one big task. It's a handful of documents and decisions, plus making sure your family can find them. Here's the whole list, in plain English. Terminology varies by province; see your province page for the exact names.

The documents

• A will: reviewed after any major life change (marriage, a child, a move, a death).
• A power of attorney for finances: it lets someone manage your money if you can't.
• A health-care / personal directive: it lets someone make medical decisions if you can't.
• For parents of minors: a named guardian, so a court doesn't decide.

The money

• Named, up-to-date beneficiaries on your RRSP, TFSA, RRIF, and pensions. Outside Quebec these pass outside your will. In Quebec, a beneficiary designation on a non-insurance registered plan generally is not effective that way, so confirm how yours is set up.
• Life insurance suited to who depends on you, with the right beneficiary.
• A list of accounts, debts, and where the statements live.

The findability

• A chosen executor (liquidator in Quebec) who knows they're named and where things are.
• Your final wishes: burial or cremation, the service, organ donation.
• Your digital accounts and what should happen to them.
• Everything in one place your family can actually reach. This is the single biggest failure point.

Keep reading

• What to do when someone dies in Canada
• The Canadian estate-planning checklist
• Your digital legacy checklist
• Estate planning by province

This page is general information to help Canadian families spot gaps. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice, and it is not tailored to your situation. Terminology and rules can change; confirm specifics with a qualified lawyer. Meravor is not a law firm.