Received or expecting an inheritance? Make sense of the next decisions: what to keep available, how to invest, and how this change fits your retirement and family goals.
Connect the inheritance to the decisions that matter to you, rather than treating it as a separate pot of money.
Separate near-term spending, obligations and reserves from money that can support longer-term goals.
Review the accounts and holdings involved, what you already own, and the questions to resolve before making changes.
Consider whether the inheritance changes your retirement date, income needs or approach to investment risk.
Plan around the amount left after obligations and intended spending, once the sale and estate position are clear.
Discuss support for family members, future spending and your own beneficiary and estate-planning priorities.
Identify where your executor, lawyer or accountant needs to confirm tax treatment, ownership or distribution timing.
This conversation is designed especially for Ontario households with $250,000 or more to plan for through an inheritance and existing investments. This is a planning focus, not an account minimum. If the amount or timing is uncertain, you can say so.
The first conversation is free and without obligation. It helps clarify your priorities and whether further planning is appropriate. It does not commit you to an investment or include a full estate, legal or tax assessment.
For estate administration and tax obligations, see the CRA guidance for someone who died. Your estate representative and tax professional should confirm how those requirements apply.
Common questions about inheritance planning in Ontario
Ontario residents who have received an inheritance, expect an estate distribution, or are deciding what to do with inherited investments or property-sale proceeds. We focus on how that money fits your own financial plan, including retirement, cash needs and family goals.
We discuss your priorities, the approximate amount involved, when it may be available and the decisions you face. It is a chance to establish whether further planning is a good fit. A detailed plan, tax filing or legal opinion is not included in this initial conversation; any further scope and applicable costs are explained before you decide to proceed.
The answer depends on the asset, the beneficiary relationship and the estate circumstances. Estate tax returns, registered accounts and income or gains after death can involve different obligations. Confirm the treatment with the estate representative and the appropriate tax professional before assuming that the full amount is available to invest.
Yes. You can identify priorities and questions while you wait. The estate representative must establish the amount and timing of any distribution; avoid committing money that has not been released. Tell us if the amount or date is still uncertain.
There is no universal timetable. First clarify obligations, near-term spending, any tax amounts to reserve, and the purpose of the money. Investment decisions then depend on your circumstances, time horizon and capacity for risk; there is no requirement to transfer or invest money to have the introductory conversation.
No. This conversation focuses on your financial planning and investment decisions. Estate administration, legal advice and tax filings remain with the appropriate professionals. We can identify the questions that need their input as part of your broader plan.
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Read article →Start with your priorities and the decisions ahead. A financial planning specialist will review your request and contact you about an introductory conversation. No transfer or investment commitment is required.
For estate disputes, legal documents or tax filing, contact the relevant legal or tax professional.