Succession & Estate Planning

Succession and estate planning can often seem like a puzzle. Due to the numerous complex issues that are intertwined in succession and estate planning, beginning the process can be a daunting task. That is why we are here to help. We will walk with you through each piece of the puzzle and see how it will all work together in your unique situation. By working collaboratively with our client’s team of professional advisors, we are passionate about helping our clients clarify their goals for estate, succession and philanthropy planning, to give them the confidence to move forward, and take action in making these dreams a reality.

Our Team

OUR Expertise

EXPERTISE

Estate Planning

Business owners are often concerned with preserving the wealth they have worked so diligently to create. Tax minimization, estate equalization between children, and charitable giving are top of mind when considering estate planning. We work with clients to define their goals in each of these areas, discuss fair vs. equal for their children’s inheritance, and apply strategies to enhance and expand the total value of the estate. We also review wills and other important estate planning documentation to ensure they are up-to-date and reflective of the client’s wishes.

Business Succession Planning

Selling the business or passing it down to children is truly a process, not an event. Planning well in advance of a business changing hands can help the transition go as smoothly as possible. In a family business context, there are additional considerations for how the business affects each member of the family, whether they are involved in ownership, management, or not at all. We recommend a review or creation of a shareholder agreement, which is essential for giving the stakeholders in the business confidence and clarity on what will happen to the business should certain events like death, disability, or disagreement impact the business.

Philanthropic Planning

Successful entrepreneurs are some of the most generous people in Canada. Although many have been philanthropic throughout their working life, they begin to consider the bigger picture of their legacy when they are passing the business on to their children, selling the business, or perhaps beginning to slow down and enjoy retirement. Leaving a legacy to a favorite charity or foundation either during lifetime or through the estate is a significant source of joy for many clients, and an opportunity to teach and pass down a love of philanthropy to their children.

Advanced Insurance Planning

In each area of estate, succession and philanthropic planning, there is an opportunity to gain efficiency by utilizing tax-advantaged products like life insurance to achieve the planning goals. By applying an insurance strategy uniquely designed for the client’s particular scenario, significant efficiencies can be obtained, while providing the confidence that the liquidity will be provided to meet the client’s goals precisely when required.

Our Team

Jerry Gedir

Jerry Gedir is Managing Partner of Continuity, a firm specializing in succession and estate planning for entrepreneurs and family businesses across Western Canada, since 1977.

Jerry is a graduate of the College of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan, and holds a Chartered Life Underwriter designation.

He is an active member of the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) -an association of the top life underwriters, tax and legal professionals working in the advanced insurance and tax planning markets.

Jerry has written and spoken widely on advanced insurance planning, shareholder agreements, charitable gift planning, business succession and estate planning matters for many professional and educational organizations including the Universities of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Estate Planning Councils, the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers (ADVOCIS), the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU), and several other business and trade associations.

Email: jgedir@continuity.ca

Integrated Planning Process

Step 1: Discovery

Possibly the most crucial of all planning stages, is the Discovery phase. Our goal is to uncover what is truly most important to each individual, so that a unique plan can be crafted to achieve even the loftiest goals. Creating a clear and strong foundation at this stage, enables us to keep your true wishes at the forefront, and not get lost in the details.

Step 2: Analysis

After gaining a thorough understanding of where you want to go, we analyze all relevant data, working in concert with your other professional advisors, to get where you want to go. We bring together the strengths of our diversified team to ensure we are able to reach the best integrated recommendation.

Step 3: Recommendations

Recommendations will be provided to you in a timely manner, which will summarize the results of our analysis and the options we believe best meet the goals established in Discovery. We will be pleased to discuss each alternative in as much or as little detail as you require.

Step 4: Implementation

Once you have reviewed and selected the recommendation that is best suited to meet your needs, we will work with your other professional advisors to see that the plan is implemented in a timely fashion, and in accordance with your wishes. Of course, as your situation evolves, we are ready to grow with you and update any implemented plans as needed.

The Book

Has anyone ever asked you, “If you were gone tomorrow, will your spouse or kids know where your stuff is?” Click to collect the attachments below and keep all of your important information in one place. Update it often! Contact us to get your own beautiful leather binder to house this important information.