There is increasing connectivity and movement of individuals and
their assets between Canada and the U.S.: children relocate on
either side of the border, often after pursuing higher education in
the other country, U.S. residents move to Canada to work or retire
and vice versa, or residents on either side of the border purchase
a recreational property – a Florida or Arizona home for many
Canadians, or a cottage property or ski chalet in a Canadian
province for many Americans.
Navigating the issues that arise in cross-border estate planning
and administration is complicated given the very different tax and
legal regimes on either side of the border. Missed turns or taking
the wrong route often occurs because of a lack of skilled guidance
and direction in planning or administering an estate with
cross-border issues.