ESTATE PLANNING 遺產規劃
ESTATE PLANNING FOR SENIORS
Estate Planning for Seniors: Ensuring a Smooth Transition for Your Loved Ones
Introduction In a country like Canada, with a high standard of living and an aging population, it is crucial for seniors to reflect on the importance of estate planning. As societal dynamics change, including an increase in single individuals and separations, it becomes essential to consider the implications of not having a properly prepared will. This article discusses the significance of estate planning for seniors and offers insights into key considerations and strategies to ensure a seamless transition of assets to desired beneficiaries.
前言 在加拿大這樣一個生活水準高以及人口老化的國家，长者考虑遺產規劃至關重要。隨著社會動態的變化，包括單身和分居的数量增加，有必要考慮沒有準備妥善身后事/平安纸的影響。本文討論了长者遺產規劃的重要性，並提供了對關鍵考慮因素和策略的見解，以確保資產無縫過渡到所需受益人。
The Importance of Estate Planning Estate planning is not solely about preparing a will to distribute assets to spouses and children. It becomes particularly vital when an individual is single, separated, or living with a partner without a formal marriage. Failing to create a well-prepared will can lead to intestacy issues, where the estate may end up with a bank or government. Unfortunately, many people pass away without a will, leaving behind challenges and complications for their loved ones.
遺產規劃的重要性 遺產規劃并不僅僅是準備一份將資產分配給配偶和子女的平安纸/遺囑。當一個人單身、分居或與未正式結婚的伴侶同居時，這一點變得尤為重要。未能製定充分计划和準備的遺囑可能會導致在無遺囑情况西的問題，既遺產可能最終歸銀行或政府所有。不幸的是，許多人在沒有立平安纸/遺囑的情況下去世，給親人留下了继承的挑戰和问题。
Avoiding Intestacy and Unintended Consequences When someone dies intestate (without a will), the distribution of their estate is determined by the laws of the jurisdiction in which they live. This process may not align with the deceased person’s wishes or the needs of their loved ones. Banks, in these situations, often do not take the initiative to inform or cooperate with the relatives, further complicating matters. To prevent this, it is crucial for individuals to think ahead and take action by drafting a will.
避免無遺囑和非意願後果 當某人去世時沒有留下遺囑，其遺產的分配將由其居住司法管轄區的法律決定。這個過程可能不符合死者的意願或其家人，親人的需求。在這種情況下，銀行往往不會主動通知或配合親屬，使事情變得更加複雜。為了避免這種情況發生，個人提前思考並透過起草遺囑採取行動至關重要。
Choosing an Executor and Designating Beneficiaries One of the key aspects of estate planning is selecting an executor, someone you trust to carry out your wishes after you’re gone. The executor’s responsibilities include managing bank accounts, selling properties, and distributing assets according to the terms of the will. It is important to choose an executor who is reliable, organized, and capable of handling the complexities of the role.
選擇執行人並指定受益人 遺產規劃的關鍵之一是選擇一位遺囑執行人，即您信任的人，可以在您去世後執行您的願望。遺囑執行人的職責包括管理銀行帳戶、出售財產以及根據遺囑條款分配資產。選擇一個可靠、有組織性並且能夠處理角色複雜性的執行者非常重要。
Additionally, individuals should clearly define their beneficiaries. This step ensures that the estate is distributed according to their intentions. Whether it is family members, friends, or charitable organizations, a thoughtful decision on beneficiaries is vital.
此外，個人應明確界定其受益人。這一步驟確保了遺產按照他們的意願進行分配。無論是家人、朋友或慈善組織，對受益者的选择做出深思熟慮的決定至關重要。
The Cost of Probate and Alternatives: Probate, the court’s authorization to administer an estate, can be an expensive process. Courts often charge a percentage of the estate’s value as fees, which can be prohibitive, especially given the current high property prices. Without a will, anyone interested in the estate can apply to become an administrator, adding further complexities.
遺囑認證和替代方案的費用: 遺囑認證是法院管理遺產的授權，可能会是一個昂貴的過程。法院需收取遺產價值的一定比例作為費用，這可能令人望而卻步，特別是考慮到目前的高房價。如果沒有遺囑，任何對遺產感興趣的人都可以申請成為管理人，這无疑是進一步增加了遺囑認證的複雜性。
To minimize the cost of probate fees, individuals can explore estate planning techniques. For instance, holding property jointly with intended beneficiaries, such as children, with a right of survivorship can bypass the court-administered process. These decisions, however, require careful consideration and the guidance of a competent legal counsel to determine the most suitable approach for each unique situation.
為了最大限度地降低遺囑認證費的成本，個人可以了解遺產規劃的技巧。例如，與兒童等預期受益人共同持有財產並享有生存權，则可以繞過法院管理的程序。然而，這些決定需要仔細考慮並需要有能力的律師的指導，以確定針對每種獨特情況的最合適的方法。
Periodic Review and Communication: A will should be periodically reviewed to ensure it reflects the individual’s current wishes. It is essential to communicate the existence and location of the will to the chosen executor. While lawyers are required to keep clients’ instructions and wills private, individuals are free to inform beneficiaries and the executor about the will’s contents. Storing the will in a secure and accessible place, along with a list of assets and their locations, helps ease the process for the executor upon the testator’s passing.
定期回顧: 拟定好的平安纸/遺囑應定期回顧，以確保其反映個人当前的意願。遺囑的存放地點必須傳達給選定的遺囑執行人。雖然律師必須對客戶的指示和遺囑内容保密，但個人可以自由地將遺囑的內容告知受益人和遺囑執行人。將遺囑以及資產清單和存放位置放在安全且易於存取的地方，有助於簡化遺囑執行人去世後的流程。
Considerations for Properties in Other Countries: For individuals who own properties in other countries, special attention must be given to comply with local laws and regulations. This is particularly important when dealing with physical assets like vacation homes. Seeking legal advice to ensure compliance and facilitate the smooth transfer of these properties is crucial.
在其他國家拥有房產的注意事項: 對於在其他國家擁有財產的個人，必須特別注意遵守當地的法律和法規。在處理度假屋等實體資產時，這一點尤其重要。尋求法律建議以確保合規並促進這些財產的順利轉讓至關重要。
Conclusion Estate planning is a critical responsibility for seniors to ensure the seamless transfer of their assets to desired beneficiaries. Regardless of marital status or family structure, everyone should consider the implications of not having a properly prepared will. By working with a competent legal counsel, individuals can navigate the complexities of estate planning, minimize probate costs, and provide their loved ones with a clear roadmap for the distribution of assets. Taking the time and effort now can save significant legal fees and emotional turmoil for all involved parties in the future.
总結: 遺產規劃是对于長者以確保將其資產無縫轉移給所想要的受益人很重要一步。無論婚姻狀況或家庭結構如何，每個人都應該考慮在沒有準備平安纸/遺囑对于继承的影響。透過與專業的律師合作，则可以應對遺產規劃的複雜性，最大限度地降低遺囑認證成本，並為親人提供清晰的資產分配指引。提前花時間和精力未雨绸缪可以為未來所有相關方節省大量的法律費用和家人的情緒波動。
By: Mr. Jay Chauhan, is a lawyer called to Bar in Canada, England and India, and is a retired Deputy Judge. He is also a legal writer with an award.
作者乔汉律师是加拿大, 英国, 和印度的执业律师，以及安省退休法官。他也是法律读物的作家。
Translate by: Ms. Sunny Wu, is a lawyer called to Bar in Canada and the United States. She studied in translation and simultaneous translation during her academic exchange at the University of Hong Kong.
翻译吴律师是美国加拿大执业律师。曾在香港大学学术交流期间修读翻译以及同声传译。
This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered as legal advice.
文章内容非法律意见。
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