About
Hi, I'm Darcy. Ex-corporate guy here to help you and your family.
Plan Your Estate Inc. was founded by Darcy Ell. As a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA), Darcy brings together decades of corporate experience and his love of his grandkids to help families get everything in order in case something goes wrong.
With a friendly and professional demeanour, extensive experience, and a knack for making the complex seem simple, Darcy is ready to assist you in navigating the essential components of estate organization with precision and care.
It's about your peace of mind.
I create the critical 1st step to organize your estate - a Will.
Will
Your wishes for your loved ones
Enduring Power of Attorney
Someone you trust for financial decisions if you're unable
Personal Directive
Your preferences for medical care and treatment
Why is a Will so important?
A Will documents your wishes after death, leaving a helpful guide for your loved ones when they’re dealing with your passing. The most significant components are usually designating a Guardian for minor children, the distribution of your assets and your funeral/burial wishes.
​
The 2 critical related documents are an Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive which I help you to complete as well.
FAQ
What does Plan Your Estate do?
I facilitate the organization of your estate.
What does that mean?
It means that I guide you through the first step - creating a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive.
Why should I do this?
There are many practical, caring, financial and other reasons to do this. But at the heart of it is your peace of mind now, to know that you did the best you could in the present to convey a gift in the future to those you care about.
Why do I need you to help me?
No disrespect intended, but the short answer is because it’s likely you won’t do it! And that’s not a criticism, it’s a fact – an estimated 50% to 70% of Canadians don't have a Will, the foundational step in estate planning and organization. Despite the availability of lawyers and DIY Will Kits, most people still have not created a Will due to procrastination, cost misconception, denial of mortality, complexity, or lack of awareness of consequences. A knowledgeable facilitator can help.
What happens if I die without a will?
Each province has laws that determine what happens when someone dies without a Will (it’s called dying “intestate”). But those laws deal mainly with how your estate is distributed, and it may not be the same as what you would want. And those laws will not include other wishes that you may have which won’t provide the best outcome for your loved ones. Not having a Will also increases the cost and complexity of settling your estate at a time when those you care about are grieving.
I don't have a lot of money, do I really have an "estate"?
It’s not about how much wealth you have – it’s about ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you pass, that your assets (your estate) are distributed to beneficiaries you chose and that things are made as easy as possible for those you care about if you die.
Is it expensive?
The short answer is no. I can craft the critical documents much more conveniently and cost-effectively than a law firm.
Why do I need to do this?
Estate planning offers you peace of mind and is a responsible and considerate step to ensure your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. Some of the benefits summarized are:
-
Control over asset distribution.
-
Guardianship for minor children as you desire.
-
Avoiding intestacy laws.
-
Minimizing taxes and expenses.
-
Protecting your beneficiaries.
-
Healthcare and incapacity decisions.
-
Business succession planning.
-
Minimizing family conflicts.
-
Charitable giving.
​
​