Many Canadians don't realize that their will doesn't govern all of their assets. Registered accounts — RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, life insurance — pass directly to named beneficiaries, bypassing the estate entirely. This means outdated or incorrect beneficiary designations can override the intentions of your will, cause family conflict, and create significant tax consequences.
什麼是受益人指定？
A beneficiary designation names the person (or people) who will receive the proceeds of a specific account or insurance policy when you die. Because these designations are contractual — separate from your will — they take precedence over whatever your will says about that asset.
為何它比您的遺囑更重要
- Registered accounts (RRSP, RRIF, TFSA) and life insurance pass directly to named beneficiaries — not through your estate
- If you name your estate as beneficiary (or have no beneficiary named), the assets flow through your estate — subject to probate fees and potentially creditors
- A named beneficiary who predeceases you, with no contingent beneficiary named, can create significant estate complications
- A divorce does not automatically revoke a beneficiary designation in all provinces — your ex-spouse may still receive your RRSP
5個常見的受益人指定錯誤
指定前配偶
Many Canadians forget to update designations after separation or divorce. In Ontario, a divorce revokes the spousal designation — but common-law separations do not. Check all accounts.
沒有後備受益人
If your primary beneficiary predeceases you and there's no backup named, the proceeds go to your estate — triggering probate. Always name a contingent beneficiary.
直接指定未成年人為受益人
Minor children cannot legally receive large sums directly. The courts will appoint a trustee, which is expensive and slow. Instead, name a trust or trustee.
在沒有信託的情況下指定殘疾人士
A direct inheritance can disqualify a disabled person from receiving government disability benefits. A Henson Trust is the proper vehicle.
重大人生事件後從未更新
Marriage, children, divorce, death of a named beneficiary — any of these should trigger an immediate beneficiary review across all accounts.
哪些帳戶有受益人指定？
| Account type | 有受益人指定？ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RRSP/RRIF | Yes — strongly recommended | Name spouse as 'successor annuitant' for tax-deferred rollover |
| TFSA | Yes — name 'successor holder' | Spouse as successor holder is the most tax-efficient option |
| Life insurance | Yes — critical to name correctly | Can name anyone; check primary and contingent beneficiaries |
| Sun Life GIF | Yes | Functions like insurance — names beneficiary directly |
| Non-registered accounts | No — passes through estate | Covered by your will; may be subject to probate |
| Real estate | No — passes through estate | Joint tenancy with right of survivorship is an option for couples |
如何進行正確的受益人審查
收集所有帳戶結單
List every RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, pension, and life insurance policy you own. Include employer-sponsored plans.
確認現有指定
Contact each institution or check your online account to see exactly who is named as primary and contingent beneficiary.
檢查過時的指定
Is there an ex-spouse, a deceased person, or 'estate' listed? These need immediate updating.
確認遺囑和指定一致
Your overall estate plan should tell a consistent story. Where inconsistencies exist, decide which takes priority and update accordingly.
與王羽恬一起審查
As a CEA, Carrie can review your complete beneficiary picture, identify risks, and help you update designations in the context of your overall estate plan.
Carrie's advice: I encourage every client to do a beneficiary review every 3–5 years, and immediately after any major life event — marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or death of a named beneficiary. It takes less than an hour and can prevent years of legal complications for the people you love.
王羽恬
王羽恬是 Seven Lakes Financial Services Inc. 的創辦人，同時也是服務安大略省及薩斯喀徹溫省客戶的 Sun Life 顧問。她專精退休、遺產及投資規劃，以溫暖且個人化的方式為每位客戶提供服務，並能以英語、普通話及台語流暢溝通。