Canada: Family and Matrimonial

Grey divorce—separation after age 50—is becoming increasingly common in Canada, bringing complex legal and financial challenges that differ significantly from traditional divorces. With retirement savings, pension division, and long-term financial stability at stake, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial when navigating a late-life separation.

In the usual course of estate administration, one of the preliminary steps is often obtaining a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a Will (often referred to as “probate”).

Canadians who own US property, hold American investments, or have family members with US citizenship face a complex web of estate tax obligations spanning two countries. Without proper coordination, your heirs could face double taxation, frozen assets during lengthy Florida probate proceedings, or unexpected tax bills that consume a significant portion of their inheritance.