Estates Made Simple

Episode Summary In this special episode of the Estates Made Simple podcast, Gordon VanderLeek is joined one last time by long-time co-host Jenna Carvalho of Guardian Estate Company. After two and a half years and more than 70 episodes together, Jenna is stepping away from the podcast to focus on big projects in her business and a growing family. Gordon and Jenna use this transition as a chance to...

Episode Summary In this episode of Estates Made Simple, Gordon and Jenna take listeners back to one of Canada’s most famous, and frankly, most entertaining estate cases: the will of Charles Vance Miller. Known as a sharp lawyer and practical joker, Miller turned his own estate into a social experiment that sparked headlines, lawsuits, and even a movie. From gifting stock to people who opposed the...

Episode Summary In this episode of Estates Made Simple, hosts Gordon VanderLeek and Jenna Carvalho deep dive into one of the more nuanced aspects of estate planning, gifting while someone is still alive under a power of attorney. When someone loses capacity and their power of attorney becomes active, what exactly can the appointed attorney do? Gordon and Jenna unpack the legal and ethical boundari...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gordon and Jenna explore estate planning for divorced and separated couples, one of the most common and complex scenarios in estate law. With nearly half of marriages ending in divorce, this conversation is relevant to countless Canadians navigating the legal and emotional transition from shared to individual planning. They discuss how divorce impacts wills, execut...

Episode Summary In this episode, we’re joined again by Michaela Summers, associate lawyer at VanderLeek Law and head of the estate administration department. This is part two of our “Estates Gone Badly” series. There were simply too many stories (and lessons) to fit into one episode, so in this episode we continue exploring real-life examples of estate administration gone sideways and what could h...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gordon VanderLeek takes the hot seat while co-host Jenna Carvalho fires off some of the most common estate administration and planning questions we’ve heard over the past year. With a one-minute time limit per question (yes, Gord had bumper rails this time), listeners get quick, clear answers to the issues that come up most often. This episode is perfect for anyone...

Episode Summary In this episode of Estates Made Simple, hosts Jenna Carvalho and Gordon VanderLeek tackle an important and complex topic: estate planning for beneficiaries with special needs. Gordon draws on both his professional expertise and personal experience to explain the unique considerations families need to be aware of when preparing their estate. From trust structures and government supp...

Episode Summary In this eye-opening episode of Estates Made Simple , Gord and Jenna are joined by Michaela Summers to share behind-the-scenes stories of estate files that didn’t go according to plan. These real-life “estates gone badly” serve as cautionary tales—highlighting what can go wrong when planning is incomplete, improper, or ignored altogether. Michaela, who leads the estate administratio...

Episode Summary In this insightful episode, Gordon and Jenna explore one of the most pivotal decisions in estate planning: choosing the right executor. While many focus on asset distribution, the choice of executor can make or break the success of an estate administration. From strained family dynamics to logistical challenges, this conversation dives into the top five reasons you may want to reth...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gord and Jenna welcome Randy Frisch, a two-time tech founder and CEO of Trusty Estate, to discuss a common challenge in estate planning: what happens to the meaningful, personal items that aren't covered in a traditional will? Randy shares how his app, MyTrusty.ai, helps individuals document and assign personal valuables—like heirlooms, keepsakes, or high-valu...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gord and Jenna explore one of the trickier conversations in estate planning: should you tell your children what they’ll inherit? While disclosure will happen eventually during estate administration, the question is whether discussing the inheritance while you’re still alive helps or hinders family harmony. Gord and Jenna break down the pros and cons, including how...

Episode Summary In this week’s episode, Gord and Jenna tackle a question many executors (and planners) may not have thought of: What happens when an executor passes away during the administration of an estate? This isn’t just a legal technicality—it can create delays, additional court processes, increased costs, and stress for beneficiaries. Gord draws on real-life scenarios from his legal practic...

Episode Summary Today we’re diving into the world of charitable giving and the growing role of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in estate administration. Special guest Ian Currie from Canada Gives joins Gordon and Jenna to walk executors and estate planners through how donor-advised funds work, when to consider a private foundation, and how to honour a loved one’s philanthropic legacy with more ease and...

Episode Summary Digital assets are no longer just a tech issue—they’re a legal, financial, and emotional part of modern estate administration. In this episode, Gordon and Jenna are joined by Nicole Garton, a seasoned estates lawyer and the President of BC’s Heritage Trust Company, to explore what executors and planners need to know about managing digital assets after death. From crypto and cloud-s...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gordon and Jenna dive into the complexities of administering estates with international or cross-border assets . Whether it’s a vacation home in Portugal, a U.S. investment account, or a bank balance left behind in another country, executors need to navigate legal, tax, and logistical hurdles carefully to avoid missteps. As more Canadians hold global assets, this e...

Episode Summary In this special guest episode of Estates Made Simple , Gordon and Jenna welcome Melissa Best , a seasoned money manager turned tech entrepreneur, who shares her deep insight into why estate organization is often the missing link in a well-laid estate plan. Melissa draws on 40+ years of experience managing high-net-worth portfolios and fiduciary accounts to reveal the most common ex...

Episode Summary In this episode, Jenna and Gordon tackle a sometimes controversial topic: executor compensation . Many executors feel hesitant about charging a fee, fearing family pushback or concerns about fairness. But executor work is complex, time-consuming, and carries personal liability —making compensation not just reasonable, but essential. They break down the legal entitlement to executor...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gordon and Jenna discuss the unique challenges of managing charitable beneficiaries in estate administration. With charitable giving on the rise , executors must understand legal responsibilities, tax implications, and best practices when working with charities. Learn how to engage with charities, determine if they accept assets in kind , and ensure transparent com...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gordon and Jenna break down three key aspects of estate administration that often surprise executors . While many assume the role is straightforward, there are hidden complexities, legal responsibilities, and risks that can catch executors off guard. They discuss the public nature of probate, the personal liability risks of being an executor, and the importance of...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gordon and Jenna discuss stepping down as an executor after you’ve already started acting . While renouncing before taking on the role is straightforward, resigning once you've begun administering the estate requires a formal court application . They explore when an executor should consider stepping down , the legal process involved, and key considerations to...

Episode Summary In this episode, Gordon and Jenna break down the concept of Adjusted Cost Base (ACB) and why it’s critical for executors managing estate assets . They discuss how ACB impacts capital gains tax, the importance of maintaining records, and how proper calculations can save the estate—and its beneficiaries—thousands in unnecessary taxes. Executors will learn how to track ACB for real es...

Episode Summary Gordon and Jenna sit down with Robert Price, CEO of Bode Canada , to explore how executors can sell estate properties faster, with greater transparency, and at lower costs . Bode’s online platform lets homeowners and executors list, market, and sell properties without a realtor —saving thousands in commissions while ensuring full market exposure. Executors can track all activity, r...

Episode Summary In this episode of Estates Made Simple , Gordon VanderLeek and Jenna Carvalho tackle an essential topic for executors: exercising discretion when making decisions during estate administration. From choosing vendors to distributing assets, executors face numerous discretionary decisions that can impact the estate's value and beneficiaries' satisfaction. The hosts provide a...

Episode Summary In this episode of Estates Made Simple , Gordon VanderLeek and Jenna Carvalho delve into the intricacies of Henson Trusts , focusing on their critical role in estate planning for disabled beneficiaries. They explore the origins of Henson Trusts, their evolution across provinces, and the specific considerations trustees must account for when managing them—especially in Alberta, wher...

Episode Summary In this special 50th episode of Estates Made Simple , Gordon VanderLeek and Jenna Carvalho reflect on their journey over the past 50 recordings. From early challenges to memorable moments, the duo takes a walk down memory lane, sharing highlights, guest insights, and personal reflections on the podcast's purpose. The episode focuses on: Key lessons learned about estate plannin...