Estate Planning and Executor Support, Beyond the Documents
Maybe you’ve been meaning to get your affairs in order for years and life keeps getting in the way. Maybe you just got a call telling you that you’ve been named Executor and you have no idea where to start. Or maybe you’ve done some planning but you’re not sure if what you have is actually enough.
Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone. As a Certified Executor Advisor, Nancy Boisvert provides personalized guidance for Canadians navigating estate planning and estate administration, at whatever stage they find themselves. She’s available to meet with clients in every province and territory by phone or video call, and in person in the Calgary area.
Most people have someone they trust to act as their Executor or Power of Attorney, and Nancy’s support is there to help them do it well. In some situations, when there isn’t anyone suitable, she may consider being formally appointed to one of those roles, or as a third-party administrator. Whether that’s a fit depends on the circumstances, so it’s something that would be discussed first.
Every situation is different, which is why services and fees are discussed in an initial conversation. What’s below is an overview of what’s available.
Essentials Package
A foundational planning service for individuals who want to understand the key components of an effective estate plan. This service provides clarity on what you have in place, identifies gaps, and helps you prepare before meeting with a lawyer.
- 75-minute one-on-one consultation
- Review of core planning documents
- Legacy Readiness Self-Assessment
- Customized checklist of legal, financial, and personal planning gaps
- Email summary with personalized recommendations and suggested next steps
Comprehensive Legacy & Lifestyle Planning Package
A complete planning service for individuals or couples who want more than a set of documents. This service examines legal, financial, medical, and housing considerations to create a well-rounded, personalized roadmap.
- Review of your will, power of attorney and health care directive
- Comprehensive review of assets, liabilities, and beneficiary arrangements
- Evaluation of aging, health, and future housing needs
- A customized legacy map outlining next steps and areas of focus
- Strategies to reduce stress for family members and future Executors
Annual Estate & Legacy Plan Review
Life changes quickly. Regular reviews make sure your plan still reflects your current circumstances. This service provides an annual checkup to confirm your documents and decisions are still current and aligned.
- Review of existing estate planning documents
- Review of recent life events and what they might change in your plan
- Beneficiary and financial alignment assessment
- Summary of recommended next steps
Executor Clarity Consultation
This consultation is for someone who’s just been named Executor, isn’t sure what the role involves, and wants a clear picture before doing anything. If you’re ready to start working through the estate, Executor Essentials is the better fit. If you’re already partway through and need ongoing help, that’s what Executor Ally Plus is for.
- Clarification of the Executor role and responsibilities
- Distinction between urgent tasks and those that can wait
- Overview of common Executor risks and pressure points
- Guidance on documents, timelines, and professional involvement
- Direction on next steps based on your specific situation
Executor Essentials
Executor Essentials is for Executors who are ready to start working through the estate and want a focused starting plan rather than full ongoing support. You get a clear overview of your responsibilities, a plan built for the estate so you know what to do and in what order, and up to three follow-up meetings as you get started.
- Overview of Executor duties and legal responsibilities
- High-level timeline of key steps in the estate administration process
- Review of the will and key documents from an Executor’s perspective
- Initial estate information and document checklist
- Personalized action plan and priority list for moving forward
Executor Ally Plus
Serving as an Executor can be overwhelming, especially while managing personal grief. Executor Ally Plus provides compassionate, practical support to help Executors meet their responsibilities with clarity and confidence.
- Guidance through each step of the estate administration process
- Help with understanding timelines and legal requirements
- Tools for organizing documents and estate information
- Support preparing materials for lawyers, accountants, and financial institutions
- Assistance with CRA requirements (and Revenu Québec’s, in Quebec), including preparing for clearance
Add-On Services
Some situations call for a little more support in a specific area. These optional services can be added to any package, or booked on their own.
For Planning and Preparation
- Personal Clarity Consultation: A focused one-hour session to help you clarify priorities, understand your options, and determine your next steps.
- Digital Legacy Organizer: Support gathering online accounts, digital assets, and passwords for secure planning.
- Memory and Legacy Book: Help capturing personal reflections, messages, and stories for loved ones.
- Housing and Downsizing Guidance: Practical support evaluating housing options, preparing for transitions, and planning for aging in place.
For Estate Administration
- Document Organization Support: Hands-on assistance organizing, categorizing, and safely storing important records.
- Executor Digital Organizer: A digital folder structure, checklists, template letters and tracking sheets to keep estate information and tasks in one place.
- Conflict Coaching: Assistance navigating sensitive conversations or family dynamics during estate administration.
Workshops & Speaking Engagements
Educational sessions are available for community organizations, financial professionals, seniors’ groups, and other audiences. Topics include Executor readiness, estate planning fundamentals, future housing considerations, and family communication strategies. Sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of your group.
Not Ready for a Consultation Yet?
NEXsteps tools are self-guided, for planning ahead and for Executors. Whether you’re just starting to think about your plan or want to get organized before a conversation, there’s a tool for where you are right now.
Why NEXsteps Doesn’t List Pricing
The complexity of planning and estate administration differs from person to person, depending on family structure, assets, and goals. That’s why pricing is discussed during an initial conversation, so the level of support fits your specific needs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’d like support, have questions, or aren’t sure which service fits, please get in touch, and we’ll work out what makes sense for your situation.
