Inspired by my colleague’s post on May 24, 2024, about “The Succession Plan of a Hermès Heir,” I’ve realized that today the increasing acquisition of valuable and luxury items such as Hermès bags and expensive watches has heightened the importance of estate planning for these high-value possessions. In Ontario, careful planning is essential to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to minimize potential conflicts among heirs. Proper estate planning involves detailed documentation, clear legal instructions, and an understanding of potential tax implications and legal precedents. This approach helps preserve the value and legacy of your luxury assets, ensuring they are handled and passed on as you desire.

Firstly, it is important to inventory and appraise your luxury items. Document each Hermès bag and expensive watch with detailed descriptions, photographs, and purchase receipts. Professional appraisals are recommended to determine the current market value of these items, which is crucial for equitable distribution among heirs and for potential tax purposes. In Ontario, the Estate Administration Tax is based on the value of your estate, making accurate appraisals essential.

In your will, clearly specify how you want each item to be distributed. For example, you can name specific beneficiaries for each Hermès bag or expensive watch to avoid ambiguity. Clear instructions help prevent disputes among heirs, which is a common issue in estates with high-value items. As illustrated in the Annotated Will 2024:

“When making a specific gift, it is important to describe the property accurately so that it can be identified after death. Avoid making gifts that may require interpretation to know their meaning – such as ‘my ring’ – or that may not accurately describe the item(s) to be gifted in the future, such as the ‘contents’ of a room.”

Communicating your estate plans with your heirs can help avoid surprises and conflicts. Discussing your intentions and the reasons behind your decisions can manage expectations and reduce potential disputes.

Consider Inter Vivos Gifts

If you wish to avoid the Estate Administration Tax and know whom you want to leave your valuables to, consider making inter vivos gifts (gifts made during your lifetime). Unlike testamentary dispositions, which beneficiaries receive after the testator’s death, inter vivos gifts take effect while the donor is still alive. These gifts can include land, money, personal property, , and even debt forgiveness. The requirements for inter vivos gifts typically include:

• The donor must intend to make a gift without expecting consideration or compensation in return.
• The gift must be delivered to the recipient.
• The recipient must accept the gift.

It’s important to understand that inter vivos gifts are irrevocable and may be subject to the presumption of resulting trust. Such gifts can fail if there is insufficient evidence to confirm the intent to make a gift or if the transfer was not intended as an advance on the recipient’s inheritance. Additionally, a gift will fail if it is not perfected during the donor’s lifetime.

Thanks for reading!