I rarely will feel the need or desire to respond to any show I see, however, today's show led me to something new. I watched in amazement as Amber and Davenne are trying to convince the public that they have a right to this land. They come across (or attempted to) as being knowledgeable, throwing around words and phrases such as "Heritage tax", "Capital Gains" etc. I am Canadian, and have worked in the financial services industry for nearly 30 years. I have handled many estates, on behalf of my client's beneficiaries. I am not an expert at all and would first of all urge the grandmother to seek out the advice of a Certified Financial Planner. These people are well versed in taxes, estates etc. She should also seek the advice (which I think she already Has) of a good estate lawyer. There is no such thing in Canada as "Heritage Tax", however there are probate fees. Each province is different, and since I do not live in the province of Saskatchewan I would not want to say anything incorrect. A CFP and an estate lawyer should be able to assist the grandmother with all the proper advice she requires. As much as the daughter thinks that if the mother makes the deed joint(yes that's what it is called-a deed) my belief (and I could be incorrect) is that the deed would have to made joint a certain number of years prior to the original deed holder's death. You see, our government's are very smart and they know people will do almost anything to get out of paying taxes, so there is some provision.
If the grandmother is concerned about the probate fees on the land, she could purchase a term life insurance policy to cover such taxes-this is what many people do to protect their families by such taxes.
I am sure that what we see on TV is not the whole story and the true picture of who each person truly is inside. However, as a viewer, I must say that Amber and Davenne came across as two very greedy, unworthy beneficiaries. They had not done their homework and instead of spending this time fighting over what will happen, why not value the time they do have with their loved one.
I also did not get the impression that either one of them wanted to keep the land to maintain the "family farm". I'm sure the intent is to sell and reap as much as they possibly can.
I think if I were grandma, I would probably consider my alternatives as to a beneficiary. Perhaps, there is a worthy cause that would value that land for years to come. One thing that comes to mind is the Tim Horton's Camp for Kids. The pictures looked lovely, and Tim Horton's sends thousands of young children to camp every summer, that otherwise would not be able to go-maybe this would be a legacy that could live forever with the grandma's (and grandpa's) name. Just a thought and there are many other organizations out there that would benefit from such a beautiful gift of nature.
I think if I were Amber and Davenne I wouldn't start making a shopping list yet. Grandma looks and seems to be a very bright and astute woman. She can change that Will as easily again, as she changed it after her husband passed away. And just in case you haven't realized it-she is probably still mourning his loss-after all-how many years did she share a life with him.
Dr Phil; I wish you would have sought out more legal and financial planning advice for this grandmother.
(Original Airdate: 11/29/05) When you imagine receiving an inheritance, you might dream that all your financial problems would be solved. But sometimes, the money is more trouble than it's worth. Eighty-four-year-old Aileen inherited a 2,000-acre farm after her husband died. But is her granddaughter, Amber, jumping the gun by wanting her mother's name on the title now? Then, Tracy says her 19-year-old son, Mark, changed when he came into a large inheritance this year after his dad passed away. She says the money wasn't what changed her son, but his long-lost friend, Brandon. Talk about the show here. 
