Latest News

Clients Say

The Seguin team is always looking out for our best interests. They are motivated in earning the...

Jim & Heather Scott

7150 Hawthorne Dr. Unit 104
Windsor, ON, N8T 3N3

Phone: (519) 974-6688
Toll Free: +1 866-973-4846
Fax: (519) 974-7192

info@seguinfinancial.com

What is an Estate Freeze?

Probate is a legal process where a court confirms the authenticity of a will. Probate is required if any third party is involved who needs court approval before taking instructions from an executor.

For example, financial institutions do not normally release assets of an estate to an executor without this proof. To probate a will, the executor needs to submit the original will, a list of assets and property in the estate and an application form to the court.

After court approval is obtained, the executor can distribute assets in accordance with the terms of the will.

Strategies to Avoid Probate

Probate fees must be paid out of the estate to the provincial court for issuing letters probate. Here are some strategies to avoid or reduce probate fees:

  • Name beneficiaries for your RRSPs, RRIFs, and GIAs.
  • Register assets in Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship.
  • Gift assets prior to your death.
  • Invest in "estate friendly" investments (annuities, segregated funds).
  • Name an adult as beneficiary of life insurance policies/annuities.
  • Set up a living trust.
  • Set up a spousal trust in your will.
  • Convert personal debt to corporate debt.
  • Set up a private holding company in a low probate province.

The contents of this website do not constitute an offer or solicitation for residents in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where either Seguin Financial Group and/ or Sterling Mutuals is not registered or permitted to conduct business. Mutual funds provided through Sterling Mutuals Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values fluctuate frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.


Insurance products, and other related financial services are provided by Seguin Financial Group as independent insurance agents, and are not the business of, or monitored by Sterling Mutuals Inc.


For more information, click on the following: Legal InformationPrivacy Policy and Client Complaint Procedures.

info@seguinfinancial.com