This paper examines estate and tax planning issues that can arise in complex family situations. It discusses maintenance and support provisions in the Wills and Succession Act and case law, including a testator’s legal and moral obligations to family members. The paper also identifies strategies for reducing will challenges, such as marriage agreements with spouses, communications with family members, forfeiture clauses in wills, testamentary spouse trusts, alter ego trusts, and joint tenancy relationships.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Estate Planning for the Average Wealth Client program in Edmonton on November 29, 2017 and in Calgary on December 6, 2017.