Your Estate Matters

Nicole Garton
  • 4.7 (15)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Your Estate Matters with your host, Nicole Garton of Heritage Trust. Your Estate Matters is a podcast dedicated to everything estates, including building and preserving your legacy. If it's estate related, we'll be talking about it. We’re having the conversations today that will help Canadians protect their families, their assets and their legacies tomorrow. Whether you are planning your own estate or are an executor for someone else’s, Heritage Trust can help. Partner with Heritage Trust to protect your family, your assets and your legacy. If you would like more information about Heritage Trust, please visit our website at www.heritagetrustcompany.ca

  1. APR 2

    Episode 61 - Understanding Cross-Border Tax and Estate Planning with Jonah Spiegelman

    In this episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with cross-border estate planning expert Jonah Spiegelman of Polaris Tax Counsel. Together, they explore the complex tax and legal challenges facing U.S. citizens living in Canada and Canadians with U.S. ties. Topics include annual U.S. filing obligations, estate and gift tax interactions, registered accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs, U.S. real estate ownership, and the pitfalls of improper estate planning. Jonah emphasizes that personalized, knowledgeable advice is essential to avoid costly mistakes, double taxation, and penalties for those navigating life on both sides of the border. -- Follow Jonah Spiegelman: Website - http://jspiegelman.com/attorneys/jonah-z-spiegelman/ Polaris Tax Counsel - https://polaristax.com/jonah-spiegelman/ LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jonahspiegelman Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    50 min

  2. MAR 26

    Episode 60 - How to Safeguard Your Disabled Loved Ones in Your Estate Plan with Hugh McLellan

    In this week's episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole welcomes elder law expert Hugh McLellan to discuss estate planning for disabled beneficiaries in British Columbia. They explore the complexities of protecting inheritances and government benefits, the importance of trusts, and the role of representation agreements. Hugh highlights the need for early, individualized planning and explains the current legal framework, including guardianship laws and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The episode offers practical advice and emphasizes the value of professional guidance to help families secure their loved ones’ futures. -- Links: Follow Hugh McLellan: Website - https://mclellanherbert.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-mclellan-aa0b8b26/ Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist Financial and Legal Tools/Programs Community Living British Columbia - https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/ PLAN (Lifetime Advocacy Network) - https://plan.ca/ Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) - https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/savings.html Disability Tax Credit - https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html Section 7 Representation Agreement - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/incapacity-planning British Columbia Disability Benefits Program - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities/disability-assistance Books Financial and Estate Planning for the Mature Client in British Columbia - https://store.lexisnexis.ca/en/categories/shop-by-jurisdiction/british-columbia-9/financial-and-estate-planning-for-the-mature-client-in-british-columbia-skusku-cad-00035/details

    39 min

  3. JAN 29

    Episode 59 - Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Financial Abuse with Kathleen Cunningham

    In this episode of Your Estate Matters, expert Kathleen Cunningham shares her extensive experience in elder law and estate matters. The discussion explores the complexities of elder abuse, undue influence, and financial exploitation, highlighting legal protections and practical steps for safeguarding vulnerable adults. Kathleen explains the roles of the Public Guardian and Trustee, designated agencies, and community response networks in British Columbia. Listeners gain valuable insights into recognizing red flags, understanding available resources, and the importance of community involvement in protecting families, assets, and legacies. This episode empowers Canadians to take informed action in estate planning and elder protection. -- Links for this episode: STEP Canada Client Service Resource: A Guide for Assisting Persons in Vulnerable Situations https://online.fliphtml5.com/zskjb/zjwz/#p=1 (flipbook and downloadable; see Appendix 8 for annotated list of Resources. See Appendix 4 for resources on unconscious bias; See Appendix 7 for list of provincial and territorial PGTs. Canadian Centre for Elder Law – Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada https://ccelderlaw.ca/ (En/Fr) & https://www.bcli.org/sectors/ccel/ BC Law Institute: Undue Influence Recognition and Prevention: A Guide for Legal Practitioners and Reference Aid https://www.bcli.org/project/undue-influence-recognition-prevention-guide-update-project/ BC Association of Community Response Networks https://bccrns.ca/ watch for monthly provincial learning events , education events; and World Elder Abuse Day (June 15) events Public Guardian and Trustee of BC: https://www.trustee.bc.ca/adults/vulnerable-adults-experiencing-abuse-neglect-or-self-neglect (scroll down to the Decision Tree link and link to BC government website Text at the bottom of the page: See Decision Tree: How to Assist an Adult who is Abused, Neglected or Self-neglecting (PDF, 424KB) to better understand which agencies to contact to make the most effective referrals for adults who may be vulnerable or incapable. For more information, see the Province's website on protecting elders from abuse and neglect, and the PGT's videos on how to assist an adult who is abused, neglected or self-neglected. See this page for list of designated agencies https://www.trustee.bc.ca/adults/protecting-vulnerable-adult-abuse-neglect-or-self-neglect Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse https://cnpea.ca/en/ - En/Fr; watch for World Elder Abuse Day (June 15) events Nidus: https://nidus.ca/about-us/ Information and forms for Representation Agreements and more. Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    33 min

  4. JAN 22

    Episode 58 - Does Your Family Need a Personal CFO? with Frank Danielson

    In this week's episode, Nicole welcomes Frank Danielson, a seasoned personal CFO and wealth mentor. Together, they explore the complexities of managing and transitioning family wealth and businesses. Frank shares insights on the emotional and practical challenges families face, the importance of open communication, and the evolving role of a personal CFO. The discussion emphasizes holistic planning, risk management, and the need for family alignment, offering listeners practical advice on fostering meaningful conversations and preparing for the future in today’s uncertain economic landscape. -- Follow Frank Danielson: Website - https://danielsongroup.ca/ LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/frankdanielson Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    36 min

  5. JAN 8

    Episode 57 - Optimizing Life Insurance for Wealth & Legacy with Vince Cardella

    In our first episode of 2026, Nicole, interviews Vince Cardella, a seasoned financial advisor and co-founder and Principal at Promerita Group, about the vital role of life insurance in estate and business succession planning. They discuss the differences between term, whole life, and universal life insurance, the importance of disability coverage, and strategies for managing tax liabilities. Vince shares practical advice for business owners and families, emphasizing the benefits of proactive planning and trusted professional guidance. The conversation offers clear, relatable insights for Canadians looking to protect their families, preserve wealth, and plan for the future. -- Follow Vince Cardella: Website - https://www.promerita.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-cardella-3500aa11/ Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    38 min

  6. 2025-11-06

    Episode 56 - Smart Moves for Tough Family Decisions with Angela Thiele

    What happens when four decades of family and estate law collide with real-life lessons about love, loss, and legacy? In this compelling episode of Your Estate Matters, host Nicole Garton sits down with veteran litigator Angela Thiele, Partner at Lindsay Kenney LLP. We unpack what she’s learned after more than 40 years helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult transitions. Together, she and Nicole unpack the roots of family conflict, the rise of “gray divorce,” generational and cultural differences in estate planning, and why mediation often beats the courtroom. With wisdom, warmth, and a dash of tough love, Angela reminds us that the best lawyers don’t just win cases, they help clients heal and move forward. -- Follow Angela Thiele: Website - https://lklaw.ca/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-thiele-28275014  Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    41 min

  7. 2025-10-16

    Episode 55 - Balancing Tech and Human Connection in Law with Christopher Martin

    In today's episode of Your Estate Matters, Nicole speaks with Chris Martin, Managing Partner at Lindsay Kenney, about his journey in litigation and the evolving legal landscape in British Columbia. They discuss the shift to no-fault ICBC claims, economic pressures on legal practice, and the growing role of technology and AI. Chris shares insights on mentoring young lawyers, managing a midsize firm, and the importance of professionalism and empathy. The conversation offers practical advice for Canadians interested in protecting their families, assets, and legacies amid changing legal and economic conditions. -- Follow Chris Martin: Website - https://lklaw.ca/our-people/christopher-martin/ LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/chrisatlklaw Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    28 min

  8. 2025-10-09

    Episode 54 - Unpacking Trauma in Family Conflicts with Julie Gowthorpe

    In this episode, Nicole interviews Dr. Julie Gowthorpe, a specialist in trauma and family dynamics. Dr. Gowthorpe explains the difference between simple and complex trauma, how early experiences shape relationships, and the impact of trauma on family conflict—especially during estate matters. She offers practical advice on self-awareness, communication, and breaking unhealthy cycles, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed support. The episode provides listeners with insights and strategies to foster healing, improve family relationships, and protect their legacies for future generations. -- Follow Julie Gowthorpe: Website - https://gowthorpetherapists.com/ LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/julie-gowthorpe-ph-d-rsw-20867a5b Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjuliegowthorpersw/?hl=en Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Dr-Julie-Gowthorpe/e/B00MMKI5V2 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drjuliegowthorpe/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drjuliegowthorpersw Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco   Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist

    32 min
See All (62)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to Your Estate Matters with your host, Nicole Garton of Heritage Trust. Your Estate Matters is a podcast dedicated to everything estates, including building and preserving your legacy. If it's estate related, we'll be talking about it. We’re having the conversations today that will help Canadians protect their families, their assets and their legacies tomorrow. Whether you are planning your own estate or are an executor for someone else’s, Heritage Trust can help. Partner with Heritage Trust to protect your family, your assets and your legacy. If you would like more information about Heritage Trust, please visit our website at www.heritagetrustcompany.ca

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Garton
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Your Estate Matters

You Might Also Like