When the Wagner family (not their real names) packed up their life in Toronto and
moved to Tampa, they thought they had planned for everything. They researched new
schools for the kids, new jobs were lined up, and a beautiful home was waiting for them,
just minutes from the Gulf.
What did they miss? How their international assets, the home they kept in Toronto, their
Canadian retirement accounts, and even a joint savings account with a family member
would impact their U.S. estate planning.
It all came to light during a conversation with friends at a neighborhood barbecue.
Someone casually mentioned setting up a trust to avoid probate. “Trust?” Angela
Wagner asked. “Isn’t that only for really wealthy people?”
“No,” their friend replied. “It’s for anyone who doesn’t want their kids to go through a
legal mess.”
Real Estate, RRSPs, and Red Tape
That night, Angela and her husband, Greg, started digging into their situation. They realized that because they were now U.S. residents, their estate would be taxed based on all their assets worldwide, not just the ones located in Florida.
- That included:
- Their vacation home in Muskoka
- Greg’s RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans)
- A life insurance policy with a Canadian provider
- A brokerage account held jointly with Greg’s father in Montreal
A Risk They Couldn’t Ignore
The Wagners weren’t extraordinarily wealthy, but their estate was sizable enough to
raise flags, especially when they realized they could be subject to double taxation.
Canada taxes estates differently than the U.S., and without the right planning, their
assets could be taxed twice.
They also learned that some foreign countries have forced heirship laws, meaning
certain relatives might have a legal claim to part of their estate, regardless of what their
will says.
“It felt overwhelming,” Greg said. “We came here for a simpler life, and suddenly it felt
like we were in over our heads.”
Help From the Right Place
That's when Angela found The Dellutri Law Group while searching online for estate
attorneys who understand cross-border issues. What caught her eye?
Almost 1,300 five-star reviews and testimonials from people who had been in similarly
complex situations.
“We thought we were just setting up a will,” she said. “But they walked us through so
much more. They made us feel like our story mattered, not just our paperwork.”
What They Did Next (And You Should Too)
- Created a Comprehensive U.S. Estate Plan
That plan included a revocable living trust to avoid Florida probate, as well as health care directives and durable powers of attorney. - Coordinated with a Canadian Attorney
The firm connected them with a Canadian estate attorney to create a **mirror will** in Toronto, ensuring their assets there wouldn’t be held up in probate or taxed unnecessarily. - Evaluated Tax Implications
They reviewed tax treaty protections between the U.S. and Canada to **minimize double taxation** and ensure their kids wouldn’t get hit with a surprise bill. - Updated Beneficiary Designations
RRSPs, life insurance, and even bank accounts were updated to reflect their new wishes, coordinated with their U.S. estate documents.
Peace of Mind Across Borders
Today, the Wagners feel confident that if something were to happen, their children wouldn’t be stuck navigating two legal systems or fighting through tax complications. Their legacy is protected on both sides of the border—and that peace of mind is priceless.
Your Assets Abroad Still Matter
If you’ve moved to the U.S. but still hold assets in another country, whether it’s real estate, retirement accounts, or even a small bank account, don’t assume it’s covered by a simple U.S. will. International estate issues can be complex, but with the right guidance, they’re manageable. The Dellutri Law Group has helped countless families like the Wagners navigate estate planning across borders with clarity and compassion. Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Contact The Dellutri Law Group today for a free consultation and take control of your estate planning, wherever your assets live.
The Dellutri Law Group 239-939-0900